Hong Kong highlighted as "super-connector" at 12th Transpacific Entrepreneurial Conference
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) reaffirmed Hong Kong's unique role as a global business gateway at the 12th Transpacific Entrepreneurial Conference, held on January 28 (Hong Kong time).
The Conference, themed "TransPacific Economic Diversification: New Investment Opportunities", was held in a hybrid format connecting Hong Kong, Canada, and Asia, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to explore emerging trade and investment prospects between Asia and Canada. The annual Conference is a signature initiative of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, jointly presented with the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association and supported by Toronto ETO and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK).
In his opening speech, the Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Bill Wong, described Hong Kong as a "super-connector" and "super value-adder", highlighting the city's distinct advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle. These include its highly internationalised business environment, world-class professional services, common law system aligned with international practices, and simple and competitive tax regime, all of which position Hong Kong as a natural bridge between the Chinese Mainland and global markets.
Mr Wong noted that, despite global trade challenges, during the first 11 months of 2025, Hong Kong's exports and imports of goods both grew by over 14 per cent. Hong Kong also reclaimed its position as the world's leading initial public offering venue, raising approximately US$35 billion, contributing to a year of economic growth expected to reach 3.2 per cent.
He also pointed out that Hong Kong's competitiveness continues to receive strong international recognition. In 2025, Hong Kong was ranked the world's freest economy by the Canadian-based Fraser Institute, third globally in terms of competitiveness, as well as among the global financial centres.
Looking ahead, Mr Wong highlighted initiatives announced in the latest Policy Address to further strengthen Hong Kong's role as a "super-connector". These include the establishment of a new task force to support Mainland enterprises in expanding overseas through Hong Kong and the launch of the "Economic and Trade Express" platform, which brings together the efforts of the overseas Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices, InvestHK and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to assist overseas companies in accessing Asian and Chinese Mainland markets via Hong Kong.
As Hong Kong will help create more opportunities for businesses, he encouraged Canadian and international entrepreneurs to leverage the strengths of Hong Kong as a dynamic platform for growth, innovation, and transpacific economic diversification.
The 12th Transpacific Entrepreneurial Conference included six panel discussions with over 30 speakers from leading companies in different sectors. The Deputy Head of Investment Promotion of InvestHK Toronto Office, Ms Grace Lau, shared insights at the panel themed "Diversified Entrepreneurs - New Investment Opportunities".
The Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Bill Wong, Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Speech by SFST at Listing Ceremony of Hang Seng Gold ETF (English Only)
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the Listing Ceremony of Hang Seng Gold ETF (exchange-traded fund) today (January 29):
Kelvin (Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission, Dr Kelvin Wong), Luanne (Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Ms Luanne Lim), Rosita (Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hang Seng Investment Management Limited, Ms Rosita Lee), ladies and gentlemen, and distinguished guests,
Good morning. It is a great privilege to address you today as we mark a pivotal new chapter in Hong Kong's financial market. With our determined efforts to position the city as a premier international gold trading hub, as indicated by the Chief Executive's Policy Address, the listing of the Hang Seng Gold ETF represents strong support for this vision and contributes to the growth and innovation of Hong Kong's gold market.
In recent years, sovereign and financial investors have increasingly sought diversification for reserves and asset allocation. Gold's attributes - as a commodity, an investment vehicle, and a safe-haven asset - have strengthened further, driving sustained price appreciation. Global gold demand in value terms surged 44 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of last year, reaching a record US$146 billion. Gold ETF holdings also rose substantially, climbing by 222 tonnes in the quarter to exceed 3 800 tonnes, underscoring robust investor appetite amid geopolitical uncertainties and market volatility.
We are delighted to welcome the listing of the Hang Seng Gold ETF. As the first ETF in Hong Kong that supports physical gold redemption at bank, it seamlessly blends the flexibility and liquidity of an ETF with the security of physical commodities. This enables smooth trading, secure storage, and flexible redemption - all conducted entirely within Hong Kong. We are also encouraged by the continued momentum of financial innovation here and look forward to even greater advancements. The exploration of distribution through licensed digital asset exchanges will help bridge traditional and digital finance, unlocking new opportunities.
This initiative aligns fully with the vision set out in the Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address, which calls for accelerated development of a world-class international gold trading market. Key measures include establishing a central clearing system for gold in Hong Kong that provides efficient, reliable services in strict compliance with international standards, while inviting participation from the Shanghai Gold Exchange to facilitate collaboration with the Mainland.
A landmark milestone was achieved this Monday with the signing of a co-operation agreement between my bureau and the Shanghai Gold Exchange at the Asian Financial Forum earlier this week. This partnership lays a solid foundation for Hong Kong's gold central clearing system to connect with the Mainland market.
The Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Company Limited, wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government, will operate this system. Together with our partners, we will drive its efficient development, ensuring alignment with international standards and also promoting greater trust, transparency, and innovation in the gold market.
In closing, I wish the listing every success. By working hand in hand with the market, we are building a more connected, efficient, and innovative gold ecosystem that benefits investors regionally and also globally. Thank you.
Source: AI-found images
