FS: Highlighting Hong Kong’s Role as East‑West Meeting Point at HKTDC Summer Expos

2026-08-13 12:00 Last Updated At：15:43

Speech by FS at Joint Opening Ceremony of HKTDC Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Joint Opening Ceremony of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo today (August 13):

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Speech by FS at Joint Opening Ceremony of HKTDC Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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Speech by FS at Joint Opening Ceremony of HKTDC Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Jonathan (Member of the HKTDC, Dr Jonathan Choi), Sophia (the Executive Director of the HKTDC, Ms Sophia Chong), (the Vice Chairman of the People's Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region, Mr Zhao Peng), (Vice Chairman of the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conferenceand Chairman of Hunan Federation of Industry and Commerce, Mr Zhang Jian), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is a pleasure to join you all for the joint opening of the HKTDC's five flagship summer fairs.

With so much wonderful food, tea and wellness inspiration gathered under one roof, perhaps I should begin with a small word of warning: it is rather difficult to leave without a few extra shopping bags in hand.

At the heart of this year's showcase is a theme made for our time: "Live Well, Stay Well." As the world pays more attention to mindful, balanced and healthy living, these five fairs bring together a rich mix of food, beverage, lifestyle and wellness experiences.

Today, the five exhibitions bring together more than 1 850 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. I am especially pleased that, for the first time, all 11 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states are represented, with Brunei and Timor-Leste making their debut.

And the world's finest products will sit alongside our own. We are proud to present Hong Kong's fishery and agricultural produce under a new unified brand, "Hong Kong Harvest". Meanwhile, specialty goods from 16 provinces and regions across the Chinese Mainland will be on show at the Food Expo.

All these speak to the enduring appeal of quality products and good living - and to Hong Kong’s unique ability to bring together international brands and regional enterprises, as well as discerning consumers in one dynamic marketplace.

I appreciate the way B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business to consumer) events sit side by side here. Whether you are an industry expert or simply a curious consumer, there is something to suit every palate and every lifestyle. These fairs connect the world of great food and wellness with the people of Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond - bringing the finest products from every continent right to our doorstep.

Hong Kong has long been a meeting point between East and West. This is a place where ideas converge, opportunities emerge and partnerships take root. That spirit is very much on display this year, with more than 230 mega events on the calendar, many of them MICE events. Some 3.6 million visitors are expected to come from around the world, an increase of more than 20 per cent compared with the previous year. These events will bring some $12 billion in spending to the city. Add to that our international outlook, efficient supply chains, and professional strengths in certification, quality assurance and brand building - and we are no doubt the best platform for brands looking to connect with markets across the region.

To our exhibitors and buyers: your presence here speaks volumes about the power of connection. The relationships you build over the coming days will go well beyond transactions. They will open new opportunities, spark innovation, and help more people, in more places, to live well and stay well.

And to our friends from overseas, I hope you will also find time to enjoy Hong Kong. This is not just a city for deal-making - it is a city of wonderful cuisine, rich culture, beautiful scenery and warm, energetic people. You never know: your next big idea, or your next business partner, may come not from the exhibition hall, but from a walk through our buzzing streets, or a conversation over a good meal.

Ladies and gentlemen, as you taste and explore your way through these fairs, I hope you will take away not only great products and promising leads, but also a fresh appetite – for good living as much as for good business.

I wish the fairs every success. Thank you very much - and to those heading into the halls, a final word of advice: plan your route, and save some appetite for the far end of the hall.

Thank you very much.

Co-owners Fined $52,060 for Not Complying with Removal Order

Two co-owners fined over $50,000 for not complying with removal order

Two co-owners were convicted and fined $52,060 in total, of which $32,060 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts yesterday (August 12) for failing to comply with a removal order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).

The case involved an unauthorised structure of about 46 square metres on the flat roof of a residential building on Shek Yam Road, Kwai Chung. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the two co-owners under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, they were prosecuted by the BD.

A spokesman for the BD said today (August 13), "UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take stringent enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety."

Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year's imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

FS: Highlighting Hong Kong’s Role as East‑West Meeting Point at HKTDC Summer Expos

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