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

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.

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.

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau (first row, centre), is leading a business delegation to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho (first row, fourth right), and the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau (first row, third right), also joined the visit. Photo shows the delegates at the welcome dinner yesterday (August 10). Also present are the Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Professor Frederick Ma (first row, fifth right), and the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur, Mr Owin Fung (first row, first right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, on a visit to Malaysia, today (August 11) speaks at the Hong Kong Luncheon of the "Think Business, Think Hong Kong" organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, and the Minister of Transport of Malaysia, Mr Loke Siew Fook witnessed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding between four Hong Kong media organisations and Malaysian media and other organisations to foster new opportunities on the sidelines of the "Think Business, Think Hong Kong" symposium organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council today (August 11) in Malaysia. Photo shows Mr Yau (third right); Mr Loke (centre); the Director of Information Services, Mr John Tse (second right), and representatives of Hong Kong media organisations after the signing ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, on a visit to Malaysia, today (August 11) attended the "Think Business, Think Hong Kong" symposium organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and participated in an exhibition tour. Photo shows Mr Yau (fifth right); the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho (fifth left); the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau (second right); the Director of Information Services, Mr John Tse (third left); and the Chairman of the HKTDC, Professor Frederick Ma (centre), with exhibitors after the tour. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, on a visit to Malaysia, today (August 11) attended the "Think Business, Think Hong Kong" symposium organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and participated in an exhibition tour. Photo shows Mr Yau (front row, third right); the Minister of Transport of Malaysia, Mr Loke Siew Fook (front row, second right); the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Mr Ouyang Yujing (front row, third left); and the Chairman of the HKTDC, Professor Frederick Ma (front row, second left) at the exhibition. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, on a visit to Malaysia, today (August 11) attended the "Think Business, Think Hong Kong" symposium organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Photo shows Mr Yau speaking at the symposium. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau (centre), on a visit to Malaysia, today (August 11) attended the "Think Business, Think Hong Kong" symposium organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Mr Ouyang Yujing (third left), and the Chairman of the HKTDC, Professor Frederick Ma (third right), also attended. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau (first right), 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 the partnership between Hong Kong and Malaysia, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as a whole. Also pictured is the Director of the Kuala Lumpur ETO, Mr Owin Fung (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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, marking a significant milestone in deepening the partnership between Hong Kong and Malaysia, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as a whole. Photo shows Mr Yau watching a lion dance at the official opening ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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 the partnership between Hong Kong and Malaysia, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as a whole. Photo shows Mr Yau (third right), together with the Minister of Transport of Malaysia, Mr Loke Siew Fook (second right); the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Mr Ouyang Yujing (third left); the Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Professor Frederick Ma (second left); the Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, Ambassador Ikram Bin Mohd Ibrahim (first left); and the Director of the Kuala Lumpur ETO, Mr Owin Fung (first right), proposing a toast at the official opening ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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 the partnership between Hong Kong and Malaysia, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as a whole. Photo shows Mr Yau (third right), together with the Minister of Transport of Malaysia, Mr Loke Siew Fook (second right); the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Mr Ouyang Yujing (third left); the Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Professor Frederick Ma (second left); the Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, Ambassador Ikram Bin Mohd Ibrahim (first left); and the Director of the Kuala Lumpur ETO, Mr Owin Fung (first right), officiating at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by SCED at "Hong Kong: Your Strategic Springboard to Chinese Mainland and Malaysia" business seminar and networking lunch in Kuala Lumpur

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the "Hong Kong: Your Strategic Springboard to Chinese Mainland and Malaysia" business seminar and networking lunch in Kuala Lumpur today (August 12):

YB Sim (Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Sim Tze Tzin), Mr Shamsul (Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, Mr Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is a great pleasure to join you all here in Kuala Lumpur for this important event.

First, let me extend my warmest welcome to our friends from Malaysia, the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong. We are honoured to have with us today so many esteemed business leaders, investors, professionals and pioneers from various fields. Your presence here speaks volumes about the shared ambition and the deep economic ties that bind these three economies.

I have always loved visiting Malaysia, both for business and for leisure. This is my second visit in 2026 and fourth visit to the country during this term of Government, reflecting the significance of this market and how much I value the connections I have built here.

Hong Kong and Malaysia have enjoyed close business ties for decades, with Malaysia being Hong Kong's eighth-largest trading partner. With our strong ties, both of our economies are growing rapidly. In the first quarter this year, Hong Kong's economy recorded its most substantial quarterly expansion in this decade, with GDP (Gross Domestic Product) surging 5.9 per cent year-on-year as driven by the strong export performance. Malaysia has also turned in an impressive first-quarter result, expanding 5.4 per cent and exceeding market expectations for the second quarter in a row. Also, bilateral trade between our economies amounted to US$21.5 billion in the first 10 months of last year.

These figures clearly demonstrate that our bilateral relations possess genuine dynamism and mutualism. It is therefore imperative that we continue to explore and develop new avenues for economic growth, which is the very purpose of our presence here.

Hong Kong has always been serving as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder" connecting the East and the West, and bringing together both capital and opportunities. With this strategic role, coupled with the many strengths of Hong Kong, Hong Kong is prepared to serve as the ideal springboard linking the Chinese Mainland and Malaysia.

For Chinese Mainland companies looking to go global, Hong Kong is your ideal launch pad, as we offer a unique combination of advantages that no other city can replicate: the practice of the common law system, the free flow of capital, a simple and low tax regime, world-class professional services, a quality pool of international talent, and sophisticated business networks for trade and investment. And these are some advantages on top of our international reputation as the freest economy and one of the most competitive cities in the world.

As such, Hong Kong is in the best position to assist Chinese Mainland enterprises to expand overseas businesses.

To turn this vision into reality, I am leading the GoGlobal Task Force (Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global) which was set up last October, providing a one-stop platform and tailored support services for Chinese Mainland enterprises to expand into overseas markets, including Malaysia. The GoGlobal Task Force provides Chinese Mainland enterprises with Hong Kong's world-class professional services including legal, accounting, testing and certifications. We assist them to set up the necessary corporate functions like regional headquarters and corporate treasury centres, raising funds for overseas expansion, and building strong reputation in the international market, thereby getting them ready for international business development. With our broad business networks, we also curate introductions to established Malaysian industry players, trade associations, and government agencies, to accelerate the trust-building process essential for successful partnerships and encourage knowledge exchanges between the two places.

In addition, the GoGlobal Task Force organises various outbound missions to enable Chinese Mainland enterprises planning to visit target overseas markets to gain a better understanding of the local market situation. The Kuala Lumpur mission this time round is one of them.

This time I am bringing a delegation of representatives from Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland enterprises spanning across sectors such as finance, professional services, healthcare, automobile and innovation and technology. They are here to meet with and establish collaboration and partnerships with the Malaysian business community, thereby enhancing mutual benefits and opportunities.

The go global initiative will create vast opportunities for Malaysian businesses and industries to join hands with Chinese Mainland counterparts wishing to establish a presence in Malaysia. For instance, Malaysian business and professional service providers will benefit from the new demand for services from incoming Chinese Mainland enterprises. Enterprises from both countries can form joint ventures and partnerships to jointly expand businesses in Malaysia and across the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region, or reciprocally venture into the Chinese Mainland market. The key is that, we see new opportunities arising from collaboration and investment from Chinese Mainland companies, and this collaboration will translate into stronger bonding and mutual benefits that will be a win-win outcome for both countries.

Additionally, Hong Kong will always serve as the premium gateway for Malaysian companies to enter the vast Chinese Mainland market. Hong Kong has established deep connections with the Chinese Mainland, particularly through the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA). CEPA is nationality-neutral and does not impose any restrictions on the source of investments. A foreign company may also establish itself in Hong Kong, optimise its business with Hong Kong's comprehensive professional services, and gain convenient access to the Chinese Mainland market.

Besides, we are proactively driving the 30 000-hectare Northern Metropolis development, which will serve as a strategic location to foster the growth of strategic industries and economic opportunities. We also introduce preferential policy packages covering concessionary land premium, land grant and tax incentive to attract strategic industries and enterprises to establish a presence in Hong Kong.

I sincerely encourage you all to leverage the new opportunities in Hong Kong. Our newly-established Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur ETO) will provide you with all the necessary advice and support.

Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is fully committed to facilitating two-way investment flows between our two economies. With the opening of the Kuala Lumpur ETO, and with events like this one today, we are building the bridges that will connect businesses and opportunities, and elevate the partnership and mutual prosperity of Malaysia and Hong Kong to a new level.

I wish you a productive seminar, a fruitful networking lunch, and many long-lasting partnerships to come.

Thank you.

Source: AI-found images