Hong Kong Opens Economic and Trade Office in Malaysia to Strengthen ASEAN Partnerships

2026-08-11 19:40 Last Updated At：19:48

SCED visits Malaysia to attend official opening of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, on a visit to Malaysia today (August 11) officiated at the official opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur ETO), marking a significant milestone in deepening partnership between Hong Kong and Malaysia, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a whole.

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SCED visits Malaysia to attend official opening of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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SCED visits Malaysia to attend official opening of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The ceremony was held at the newly established permanent office of the Kuala Lumpur ETO. Addressing the opening ceremony, Mr Yau highlighted the strategic importance of the Kuala Lumpur ETO which is the 15th overseas ETO of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the fourth in the ASEAN region.

Noting that ASEAN stands firmly as Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner in goods while Malaysia is the city's eighth largest trading partner, Mr Yau said that the new ETO shoulders the responsibility of deepening Hong Kong's economic, trade and investment ties with and strengthening its presence in this strategically important region. He also expressed gratitude to the Malaysian government for its full support to the establishment of the Kuala Lumpur ETO which commenced operation last December. The geographical coverage of the Kuala Lumpur ETO includes Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Laos and Pakistan.

He added that together with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Kuala Lumpur ETO will spearhead the building of closer government-to-government and business-to-business links and step up the facilitation of two-way trade and investment, with a view to creating more opportunities and win-win collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

Other officiating guests included the Minister of Transport, Malaysia, Mr Loke Siew Fook; the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Mr Ouyang Yujing; the Chairman of the HKTDC, Professor Frederick Ma; the Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, Ambassador Ikram Bin Mohd Ibrahim; and the Director of the Kuala Lumpur ETO, Mr Owin Fung.

Earlier in the day, Mr Yau led a business delegation to attend the "Think Business, Think Hong Kong" symposium and luncheon organised by the HKTDC. The business delegates including representatives from Mainland enterprises looking to go global, Hong Kong chambers of commerce and other organisations also had exchange sessions with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation and local chambers to gain a deeper understanding of the latest situation and needs of the Malaysian market.

Speaking at the symposium held this morning, Mr Yau said that amid the profound transformation in the global economy characterised by geopolitical tensions, supply chain realignments and technological changes, Hong Kong with its core strengths can be Malaysia's partner to navigate the increasingly complex external environment.

Mr Yau noted that with its tariff-free regime, simple and low tax structure, and robust legal system, Hong Kong, as one of the world's freest economies, provides a business environment with stability, transparency and predictability. He added that in the first two quarters of this year, Hong Kong recorded a Gross Domestic Product growth of 5.9 per cent and 4.3 per cent year-on-year respectively. This bears out the resilience, dynamism and competitiveness of Hong Kong's economy.

He stressed that Hong Kong's unique strength lies not only in its robust infrastructure or business-friendly policies, but also in its unmatched connectivity with the Mainland and the rest of the world, empowering Hong Kong to serve the Malaysian business community as a "super connector" and "super value-adder".

Mr Yau said that while Malaysian businesses can gain access to the vast Mainland market, particularly the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, via Hong Kong, the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global set up last year by the HKSAR Government provides one-stop, customised support services to Mainland enterprises to facilitate outbound direct investment into overseas markets including Malaysia and beyond, creating a win-win outcome for both countries.

He added that he sees new and exciting opportunities for Hong Kong and Malaysia to collaborate, from innovation and technology, to green and sustainable development, adding that Hong Kong and Malaysia are not just trading partners, but strategic partners in shaping the economies of tomorrow.

On the sidelines of the symposium, Mr Yau and Mr Loke witnessed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between four Hong Kong media organisations and Malaysian media and other organisations to foster new opportunities. They also witnessed the signing of MOUs between the HKTDC and local chambers of commerce and related institutions to strengthen collaboration.

Mr Yau will continue his visit tomorrow.

Severe Paediatric Influenza A Case Prompts Health Alert in Hong Kong

DH investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 11) investigating a severe paediatric influenza A infection case. The CHP urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

The case involves an 18-month-old boy with good past health. He developed a fever, runny nose and cough on August 8 and was taken to a private clinic on the following day (August 9). He developed convulsion at home subsequently on the same day, and was taken immediately to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Upon examination, he was found to be drowsy with low blood pressure, and was admitted to the hospital's paediatric intensive care unit. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with encephalopathy and septic shock. He remains hospitalised in serious condition.

The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had not received the seasonal influenza vaccination during the previous season (2025/26) and had no travel history during the incubation period. One of his household contacts recently developed a mild fever and upper respiratory symptoms. The household contact's condition was mild and required no hospitalisation. The household contact has since recovered. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.

"Since Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June, a cumulative total of eight cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded, including this case. One of them passed away, unfortunately. We expect the level of influenza activity to remain high in the coming weeks. Members of the public are advised to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times for personal protection against influenza infection. The latest surveillance data showed that the influenza activity is at a high level currently. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses was 9.94 per cent and the influenza admission rate in public hospitals was 0.73 cases per 10 000 population last week. The predominant influenza viruses detected were influenza A (H3) and influenza A (H1), each accounting for 45 per cent. The rest were influenza B (10 per cent). These virus strains are similar to those circulating elsewhere in the world. Among them, the influenza A (H3) virus belongs to the K subclade, which has been circulating globally since last August. There is no evidence that it causes a more severe illness," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.

"The World Health Organization has earlier announced its recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccines for the 2026/27 season in the northern hemisphere. Vaccine manufacturers are currently producing vaccines in accordance with the recommendations for use by the end of the year. The Government has completed the procurement process for the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes and is actively preparing various vaccination arrangements. I urge all schools and parents in Hong Kong to work closely with the CHP and actively participate in next season's Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach Programme," he added.

Dr Tsui also reminded parents that the health condition of children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly. Parents must pay close attention to their condition, and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions. Members of the public should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop respiratory symptoms. If they live with members of high-risk groups, such as children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses or compromised immune systems, they should wear a surgical mask at home to reduce the risk of infecting them. Other effective ways to reduce the spread of the disease include maintaining household hygiene, frequently cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, practising good hand hygiene, and ensuring proper indoor air circulation.

Members of the public may refer to the CHP's COVID-19 & Flu Express, Seasonal Influenza Webpage and COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, for the latest information.

Hong Kong Opens Economic and Trade Office in Malaysia to Strengthen ASEAN Partnerships

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