Dr Jonathan CHOI Koon-shum (Chairman of the 53rd terms of office) April 2023
CGCC has taken over as the next WCEC secretariat. Leveraging the united strength of ethnic Chinese businesses and communities, we will strive to strengthen the global network of Chinese entrepreneurs, and expand their role in the world's economic development.
26 years has passed following the reunification of Hong Kong with the country. Thanks to the Central Government's unwavering support, together with the concerted effort of the HKSAR Government and various sectors of society, Hong Kong has firmly established itself as a “super connector”. Last month, CGCC sent a delegation to the 16th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) in Bangkok, Thailand, in a bid to expand the horizons of cooperation, with a focus on tapping the opportunities brought by the Mainland's dual circulation strategy, and creating favorable conditions for young Chinese entrepreneurs to carry on important values from the past and innovate for the future.
Capitalizing on new regional cooperation opportunities
This year's WCEC was the first large-scale event in the post-pandemic era that gathered Chinese entrepreneurs from around the globe under one roof. Naturally, it filled the participants with anticipation. Moreover, the Mainland's resolute policy on higher-level opening-up and furthering high-quality economic development has created new impetus for ethnic Chinese entrepreneurs to tap into the Mainland market.
As the world's second largest economy, the Mainland is a global leader in trade and investment. While its production chain is already well developed, the Mainland economy promises great potential for further growth. The exponential and ever-growing domestic market also buttresses the development of a new economic and trade landscape in Asia-Pacific.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the “Belt and Road” Initiative proposed by President Xi. Meanwhile, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has been in force for over a year now. These initiatives, testament to deepening cooperation in Asia-Pacific, propel the development of trade and investment in an all-round manner.
Leveraging Hong Kong's edge
The Mainland economy has emerged from the pandemic vigorous and attractive to Chinese entrepreneurs worldwide. With the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area serving as an important gateway to the Mainland market, Hong Kong can capitalize on its role as the connector between the Mainland and the global markets. In fact, I actively promoted this unique role
and the competitive edge of Hong Kong to the Chinese entrepreneurs attending the WCEC.
Hong Kong is one of the world's freest economies. Its low tax and simple tax system, as well as its legal system that is on par with the international standard, lay the foundation for attracting investment by overseas Chinese entrepreneurs. Through issuing bonds, listing and financial management services, among others, Hong Kong can support the development of the region in this regard. And with its strong competence in brand building, product marketing, quality control and accreditation services, Hong Kong is the ideal partner for Chinese businesses to enter the Mainland and international markets of high-quality products and services.
Passing the baton to young Chinese entrepreneurs
One of the agendas of this year's WCEC was to promote the inheritance of past values and innovation among young Chinese entrepreneurs. We hope to contribute to this area by grooming more young business leaders, and nurturing a new generation of Chinese entrepreneurs to become leaders in trade and investment and advocates of business innovation in the new era.
During our stay in Bangkok, we organized a gathering for young Chinese entrepreneurs, and promoted the forum with young Chinese entrepreneurs to be staged by CGCC in coming November. These efforts help strengthen exchange and connection among young Chinese entrepreneurs worldwide, and provide a platform for them to explore cooperation.
The WCEC has been instrumental in providing a diverse platform for cooperation and promoting the inheritance of important traditions and values among businesses. With the successful completion of the 16th edition, CGCC has taken over as the next WCEC secretariat. Leveraging the united strength of ethnic Chinese businesses and communities, we will strive to strengthen the global network of Chinese entrepreneurs, and expand their role in the world's economic development.
