InvestHK and ZIDA Seal MOU at Belt and Road Summit for New Partnership

InvestHK and ZIDA seal MOU at Belt and Road Summit

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) today (September 9) sealed a new partnership to drive two-way investment between the two places, with their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on economic and investment co-operation exchanged ceremonially on the main stage of the 11th Belt and Road Summit, witnessed by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki.

The MOU exchange was conducted by the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, and the Chief Legal Officer of ZIDA, Ms Theresa Muchinguri.

Ms Lau said, "Zimbabwe is an important partner as Hong Kong deepens its engagement with Africa and the Global South under the Belt and Road Initiative. With our international financial centre, deep capital markets, world-class professional services and unique connectivity with the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong is the ideal springboard for African enterprises. Through this MOU, InvestHK and ZIDA will open doors in both directions and help Zimbabwean enterprises carry their ambition into Asia and beyond."

Ms Muchinguri said, "Our objective is to create stronger pathways between international investors and viable opportunities in Zimbabwe. Through this co-operation with InvestHK, we can share opportunities more directly, facilitate introductions and support businesses that are considering Zimbabwe as an investment destination. Ultimately, the value of this partnership will be measured by our ability to translate these connections into investments that are implemented on the ground."

Under the MOU, the two investment promotion agencies will work together to promote inward and outward investment, exchange information on their respective investment environments and opportunities, share investment promotion experience and support companies seeking to establish or expand their operations in either market.

The MOU builds on InvestHK's growing ties with African businesses. In May this year, Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Ms Loretta Lee led an InvestHK mission to South Africa and Rwanda, meeting with African enterprises, industry bodies and government investment agencies, as well as participating in high-level exchanges at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali. Following the mission, InvestHK organised an African Day networking event to further strengthen relationships with key stakeholders from African companies and organisations in Hong Kong.

These initiatives underscore Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" under the Belt and Road Initiative. InvestHK will continue to facilitate two-way investment by connecting African enterprises with Chinese Mainland and Asian markets through Hong Kong, while helping Chinese enterprises explore opportunities in Africa.

Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Ms Loretta Lee (front row, right) and the Chief Legal Officer of Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency, Ms Theresa Muchinguri (front row, left), signed the Memorandum of Understanding on September 8 to drive two-way investment between the two economies. The ceremony was witnessed by the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau (back row, right), and the Consul-General of Zimbabwe in Hong Kong, Mr Ellias Mutamba (back row, left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Witnessed by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki (centre), the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau (right), and the Chief Legal Officer of ZIDA, Ms Theresa Muchinguri (left), today (September 9) sealed a new partnership to drive two-way investment between the two places, with their Memorandum of Understanding on economic and investment co-operation exchanged ceremonially on the main stage of the 11th Belt and Road Summit. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo expresses deep condolences on passing of former Vice-Chairman of CPPCC National Committee and first Chief Executive of HKSAR, Mr Tung Chee Hwa

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

All Members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) expressed their deep condolences today (September 9) on the passing of former Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the first- and second-term Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Tung Chee Hwa, and extended their sincere sympathies to his family.

The Legislative Council, Photo by Bastille Post

The President of the LegCo, Dr Starry Lee, said that Mr Tung had a lifelong dedication to loving the country and Hong Kong, displaying a deep affection for the nation and home, as well as a strong sense of responsibility. He dedicated himself to leading the smooth establishment of the HKSAR, steadfastly implementing the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, while telling the good stories of Hong Kong to the international community. He wrote a groundbreaking chapter for Hong Kong's smooth transition and glorious return to the motherland at a critical juncture, standing out as an outstanding contributor to "one country, two systems".

Dr Lee pointed out that Mr Tung always kept the livelihood of the public close to his heart and put people first. During his tenure, he led his team to respond imperturbably to unprecedented and severe tests, including the Asian financial crisis and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic. Taking the well-being of Hong Kong and the public as his top priority, he was committed to resolving deep-seated problems and social conflicts in Hong Kong. At the same time, with great foresight, he devoted himself to strengthening the economic and trade ties as well as synergized development between Hong Kong and the Mainland, and driving policy initiatives in innovation and technology, education, housing and elderly care, laying a solid foundation for Hong Kong's long-term development.

Dr Lee praised Mr Tung for his benevolence and kindness, and expressed her appreciation for his effort in winning people over by virtue. His selfless contributions and remarkable achievements to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and national development are invaluable. His noble character will live forever in the hearts of the public and serve as an exemplar for future generations. All LegCo Members will surely uphold Mr Tung's conviction that "When Hong Kong succeeds, the country will benefit. When the country succeeds, Hong Kong will prosper", continuing to leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages to contribute to the nation.

Mr Tung Chee Hwa, Photo source: XInhua News