SCED continues to attend APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Suzhou
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, continued to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Suzhou today (May 23).
At the discussion session entitled "Foster New Engines of Innovative and Dynamic Trade and Investment Cooperation", Mr Yau highlighted the importance of sustainability and technological advancement in reshaping the global trade landscape and economic growth.
Noting that Hong Kong, as the world's fifth largest merchandise trading entity in 2025, has been pursuing digital and green trade to stay resilient and competitive, Mr Yau shared with fellow trade ministers Hong Kong's efforts and key directions in this regard.
Mr Yau said that Hong Kong has been harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide trade facilitation measures and digitalise its logistics industry. The recent initiatives included the commencement of the final phase of the Trade Single Window system with a view to streamlining trade document submissions, and the launch of the Port Community System to digitally integrate sea, land and air transport networks, thereby enabling real-time cargo tracking and data sharing.
He noted that Hong Kong also recognises the need to popularise AI understanding to enable people and enterprises to use it safely, responsibly and productively. Hong Kong will establish the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy and has also put in place various initiatives to deepen AI integration and encourage wider AI application.
In addition, as a global financial centre, Hong Kong has developed financing tools tailored for modern supply chains. Citing the Project CargoX launched last year as an example, Mr Yau said that it leverages cargo and trade data to streamline and enhance trade finance processes.
Turning to developing cross-border digital trade, Mr Yau said that Hong Kong fully supports the APEC Trade Digitalization Cooperation Framework proposed by the country and looks forward to implementing the framework with fellow member economies.
On green and low carbon trade, Mr Yau noted that Hong Kong is fully committed to pursuing the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. In 2025, green and sustainable debt issuance in Hong Kong totalled US$77 billion.
On the sidelines of the MRT meeting, Mr Yau took the opportunity to meet with the Minister for Trade and Investment of New Zealand, Mr Todd McClay, to exchange views on various issues, including fostering bilateral trade relations.
The two-day MRT meeting concluded. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong this evening.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau (right), meets with the Minister for Trade and Investment of New Zealand, Mr Todd McClay (left), to exchange views on various issues, including fostering bilateral trade relations on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Suzhou today (May 23). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, continued to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Suzhou today (May 23). Photo shows Mr Yau (right) and the Director-General of Trade and Industry, Mr Aaron Liu (left), before the meeting. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, speaks at a discussion session entitled "Foster New Engines of Innovative and Dynamic Trade and Investment Cooperation" at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Suzhou today (May 23). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration
The 11th Belt and Road Summit organised by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government successfully concluded yesterday (September 10). The two-day event brought together more than 6 200 government and business leaders from over 70 countries and regions, showcasing over 300 investment projects, facilitating more than 800 one-on-one deal-making meetings, and witnessing a record high of over 60 memoranda of understanding (MOUs). The total value of these MOUs, together with new projects and deals finalised before and during the Summit, is over US$3.1 billion.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered remarks at the opening session. Senior officials over the world joined to share their insights, includingthe Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov; the Vice President of Uruguay, Ms Carolina Cosse; and Deputy Prime Minister of Laos Mr Saleumxay Kommasith proving the Summit's success in promoting government-to-government exchanges and relations with Belt and Road countries.
Various new elements were featured in this year's Summit, including think-tank dialogue, enterprises going global, low-altitude economy, media co-operation, Health Silk Road, sovereign wealth funds of Belt and Road countries, and universities, exploring collaborations with Belt and Road partners in new areas, giving full play to Hong Kong's roles as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" in the global economy.
A key highlight was the inaugural "GoGlobal Chapter", designed to support the expansion of Chinese Mainland enterprises into overseas markets. This Chapter featured two thematic breakout sessions - one organised by the Department of Justice and another by the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global - with welcome remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau.
A new thematic breakout session hosted by the Working Group on Developing of Low-altitude Economy, and addressed by the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, also explored aligning Hong Kong's low-altitude economy with national strategies and Belt and Road synergies.
The Summit also introduced a debut Dialogue for Future Session with the theme of "The Belt and Road Initiative and Asia-Pacific Cooperation in a Changing Global Landscape", with think tank dialogues on regional co-operation.
Day two of the Summit also featured a special address by the Secretary-General of the International Organization for Mediation, Professor Teresa Cheng, on resolving international disputes through mediation.
Echoing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's commitment in expanding our business and trade networks, this year's Summit also featured dedicated elements on Central Asia and the Middle East.
Building on the Chief Executive's visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan earlier this year, the Summit introduced a dedicated Central Asia Zone to further business and trade ties with the region. Key development projects, including Kazakhstan's Alatau City and Data Center Valley were featured.
The Business Plenary, themed "Unlocking New Market Opportunities along and beyond the Belt and Road" focused on the Middle East and African markets, with speakers from Qatar, Oman, South Africa, and Nigeria sharing insights on the potential of these emerging markets. Key development projects including Türkiye's Ankara–Istanbul Super Speed Railway and Istanbul Northern Ring Railway projects were introduced.
A newly integrated University Zone showcased Hong Kong universities' research and development strengths and their capabilities in technology commercialisation across the Belt and Road region, consolidating Hong Kong's position as an international education hub.
This year's Summit was a huge success, aligning with the five co-operation priorities under the Belt and Road Initiative, namely policy coordination, infrastructural connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bond, while serving as a platform to embark on the new journey for high quality development.
Source: AI-found images
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Source: AI-found images
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
11th Belt and Road Summit concludes with new heights, opening new avenues for global collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Source: AI-found images
