The Legion d’Honneur Club is the Hong Kong chapter of the Society of Members of the Legion d’Honneur (the Hong Kong Chapter). The Legion d’Honneur is the highest and most prestigious civilian and military honour of France, instituted by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and conferred by the President of France to recognise outstanding service or acts of bravery.

The inaugural Asia-Pacific Symposium, titled Regional Exchange and Institutional Cohesion, was held today. Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government, Admiral Alain Coldefy, President of the Society of Members of the Legion d’Honneur, and Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, officiated at the event. In addition, Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, shared with participants, including representatives from Australia, France, the Philippines, and Thailand, the development of Hong Kong as an international financial centre. (Photo 1, 2 & 3)

In the welcome remarks, Henry Tang said that Hong Kong’s strength lies in international exchange and cooperation. Hong Kong has long been a staunch advocate of multilateralism as well as open and free economy. The city’s legal and financial infrastructure aligns with international standards. Under the principle of “One Country, Two Systems”, Hong Kong stands as an international financial centre and a global hub for business and culture, championing diversity, openness, and inclusion.

He added that Hong Kong’s future brings vast opportunities. The National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly mandates that Hong Kong maintains its status as an international financial centre while developing an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange and an international I&T hub. Strategically located at the southeastern tip of China and serving as a pivotal gateway between China and the rest of the world, Hong Kong will certainly benefit from the development of our motherland.

The Hong Kong Chapter will continue to deepen cooperation with its French counterparts—especially the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macau—to pursue joint efforts in education, science, and culture, said Henry Tang, to enrich public life.

He concluded that the true legacy of the Legion d’Honneur is not the medals they wear, but the trust they build. The Hong Kong Chapter will continue to serve as a dynamic global stage where that trust is translated into tangible action and meaningful impact.

20 April 2026

Photo 1: (From left to right) Gerard Millet, Vice president of the Legion d’Honneur Club (the Hong Kong Chapter); Admiral Alain Coldefy, President of the Society of Members of the Legion d’Honneur; Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government; Henry Tang, President of the Legion d’Honneur Club (the Hong Kong Chapter), and Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau.

Photo 2: The Legion d’Honneur Club holds its first Asia-Pacific Symposium today, attended by Henry Tang, President of the Legion d’Honneur Club (the Hong Kong Chapter) (second right); Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government (fourth right); Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau (first right); Gerard Millet, Vice president of the Legion d’Honneur Club (the Hong Kong Chapter) (first left); Councillors of the Legion d’Honneur Club (the Hong Kong Chapter): David Li (third right); Michael Kadoorie (third left), and Christopher Cheng (second left).

Photo 3: (From left to right) Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, and Henry Tang, President of the Legion d’Honneur Club (the Hong Kong Chapter).

About The Legion d’Honneur Club

The Legion d’Honneur Club is the Hong Kong chapter of The Society of Members of the Legion d’Honneur (the Hong Kong Chapter). It was established in 2002. The Club fosters connections and creates opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, promoting French culture, language, and the arts between the HKSAR of China and France. It provides a unique forum for members who have excelled in business, the arts, philanthropy, and public service.

HONG KONG, Apr 14, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - In view of the growing and increasingly pressing demand from mainland enterprises to go global, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has launched GoGlobal Connect. This will leverage the resources of HKTDC’s 51 offices worldwide to strengthen its service offerings and facilitate more effective connections between mainland enterprises and Hong Kong’s professional service providers, while strengthening ties to explore global business opportunities and enhance Hong Kong’s role as an international platform.

The GoGlobal Connect launch ceremony was held today at the HKTDC SME Service Centre. The ceremony was officiated by Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR Government, and Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC. It was witnessed by more than 200 enterprise representatives of mainland enterprises and Hong Kong service providers.

In his welcoming remarks, Prof Ma said: “According to the World Trade Organization’s latest report, Hong Kong rose to become the world’s fifth-largest merchandise trading economy in 2025, reflecting the strong resilience of Hong Kong’s external trade and reaffirming its status as an international trade centre. This year marks the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. The HKTDC will take a proactive approach to help Hong Kong better integrate into and serve the nation’s overall development strategy. Through the newly launched GoGlobal Connect initiative, we will leverage Hong Kong’s strengths in internationally oriented professional services to lower the threshold for mainland enterprises to go global and support their steady and well‑managed overseas expansion.”

In his opening remarks, Algernon Yau said that the HKTDC officially launched the GoGlobal Connect service today, along with an enhanced cross-sectoral professional services platform, further strengthening the support provided by the GoGlobal Task Force for mainland enterprises. He said: “The Task Force will continue to actively advance various initiatives, including attracting strategically valuable mainland enterprises to develop their businesses in Hong Kong. At the same time, we will continue to organise promotional and matchmaking events across different sectoral themes in Hong Kong and the mainland, and invite mainland enterprises to join overseas business missions, allowing them to gain first-hand understanding of local market situations.”

Helping mainland enterprises go global

The HKTDC’s GoGlobal Connect initiative will provide support in four key areas, by:

Establishing a cross-sectoral professional services platform, which brings together professional service providers from eight key sectors to facilitate connections with mainland enterprises;Setting up GoGlobal Connect zones at HKTDC’s flagship events, where service providers can offer on-site consultations;Incorporating GoGlobal Connect elements into trade promotion activities held in the Chinese Mainland, to promote Hong Kong as a platform for enterprises going global;Leveraging the HKTDC’s global network to strengthen market connections.

The GoGlobal Connect service will also be available at the HKTDC SME Service Centre.

Following the launch ceremony, Yao Chenpeng, Vice President of Transfar Group, a mainland enterprise, shared the company’s plans to establish an overseas business headquarters in Hong Kong. He said that the Group’s overseas business has continued to grow in recent years, necessitating the establishment of an international management centre to handle matters such as tax planning and overseas contracts, and that the professional services available in Hong Kong are well placed to meet the company’s needs.

He noted that after sharing the idea with the HKTDC in July last year, the Council promptly arranged meetings between the Group and relevant government departments, major chambers of commerce and industry associations in Hong Kong. The HKTDC also introduced the Group to Hong Kong professional service providers to help it understand the incentives and procedures for establishing operations in Hong Kong and to build business networks.

Subsequently, at the Belt and Road Summit held in September last year, the HKTDC introduced professional service providers to the Group and facilitated the signing of cooperation agreements, providing practical support for the Group’s global expansion plans.

A survey conducted in the Chinese Mainland by the HKTDC earlier this year among more than 2,000 mainland enterprises showed that 83% plan to leverage Hong Kong’s professional services to support their global expansion, a significant increase from 62% from a similar survey conducted in 2023. The findings underscore Hong Kong’s strengths as the preferred service platform for mainland enterprises going global.

The Hong Kong SAR Government recently set up the GoGlobal Task Force and launched a thematic website in March (www.goglobal.gov.hk). The website includes a link to HKTDC’s cross-sectoral professional services platform, which provides one-stop information and professional support for mainland enterprises seeking to expand overseas via Hong Kong, helping them better leverage Hong Kong’s diverse international strengths to plan and implement their global expansion strategies. The platform has recently enhanced its service provider database and optimized the user interface. In the second half of the year, we will onboard more service providers and continue to improve the platform and matching functions to deliver more comprehensive support to mainland enterprises.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/4tCTfVW

Media enquiries

Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs Department:

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels.

HONG KONG, Apr 3, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - The World Trade Organization’s latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report shows that Hong Kong rose to become the world’s fifth-largest trading entity in 2025, climbing two places from the preceding year. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) noted that the WTO report fully demonstrated Hong Kong’s continued resilience in merchandise trade. Total trade value continued to grow robustly last year, further reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international trading hub. Hong Kong’s achievement is attributable to the institutional advantages under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, as well as its free and open business environment.

This year marks the beginning of the national 15th Five-Year Plan. The Plan supports Hong Kong in better integrating into national development, consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, while developing into an international innovation and technology centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent. This fully demonstrates that the “Four Centres and One Hub” positioning meets the country’s needs and builds on Hong Kong’s distinct strengths. With a global network of 51 offices, the HKTDC will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantage as a gateway linking the Chinese Mainland with the rest of the world, promoting Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. International exhibitions, conferences and business missions will also be organised to create business opportunities for companies in the Chinese Mainland and international markets.

HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

Media enquiries

Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

HONG KONG, Mar 26, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - The Census and Statistics Department today released the latest external merchandise trade statistics. In February 2026, the total value of merchandise exports increased by 24.7% year-on-year to $408.8 billion. For the first two months of 2026, the total value of exports of goods amounted to $928.3 billion, marking an increase of 29.6% from the same period of last year.

Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Director of Research Bruce Pang said, over the past few months, Hong Kong’s external trade has continued to exhibit clear growth momentum. Although global geopolitical conditions remain tense, underlying demand from the Chinese Mainland and major overseas markets has remained resilient. We maintain a positive outlook, yet remain cautious in regard to Hong Kong’s trade performance.”

HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

Media enquiries

Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. 

SINGAPORE, Mar 25, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - CropLife Asia, the regional voice of the plant science industry, last week announced a new lineup for the organization’s Office Bearers within the Board of Directors. Following the CropLife Asia 2026 Annual General Meeting, Ms. Simone Barg was re-installed as President of CropLife Asia with immediate effect.

Ms. Simone Barg, Senior Vice President for BASF Agricultural Solutions Asia Pacific, is a seasoned executive known for her strong growth orientation and commitment to both customers and people. Based in Singapore, she brings more than two decades of experience with BASF, where she has led businesses across B2B and B2C segments and steered major transformation initiatives.

The new roster for the CropLife Asia Office Bearers is as follows:

• Ms. Simone Barg (BASF Agricultural Solutions) – President
• Mr. Paul Luxton (Syngenta) – Vice-President
• Ms. Malu Nachreiner (Bayer Crop Science) – Treasurer
• Ms. Brook Cunningham (Corteva Agriscience) – Secretary
• Mr. Rahoul Sawani (FMC) – Member
• Mr. Dai Ito (Sumitomo) – Member

“I am honored to serve again in this role at such a pivotal moment for agriculture in our region. Our industry plays a vital role in supporting farmers and enabling more sustainable food production. Together with our members and partners, we will continue advancing science-based solutions, keeping farmers at the center, and strengthening the resilience and sustainability of food systems across Asia Pacific,” said Ms. Simone Barg, President of CropLife Asia.

About CropLife Asia

CropLife Asia is a non-profit society and the regional organization of CropLife International, the voice of the global plant science industry. We advocate for a safe, secure food supply, and our vision is food security enabled by innovative agriculture. CropLife Asia supports the work of 15 member associations across the continent and is led by six member companies at the forefront of crop protection, seeds and/or biotechnology research and development. For more information, visit us at www.croplifeasia.org. 

For more information please contact:

Duke Hipp
Director, Public Affairs & Strategic Partnerships 
CropLife Asia
Tel: (65) 8223 3086
duke.hipp@croplifeasia.org

HONG KONG, Feb 25, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) welcomes the 2026–27 Budget delivered this morning by the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Paul Chan. The Budget reflects the HKSAR Government’s determination and proactive approach to growing the economy, driving development and improving people’s livelihoods. It focuses on strengthening Hong Kong’s status as an international centre for financial, trade, shipping and I&T, while accelerating new industrialisation and digital transformation.

The Budget also supports enterprises in integrating into the country’s overall development and seizing opportunities under the 15th Five-Year Plan. This includes continuously improving the business environment, promoting artificial intelligence and green sustainable development, as well as implementing various measures to consolidate Hong Kong’s unique advantages in connecting the Chinese Mainland and the world.

Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: “The HKTDC welcomes the forward-looking measures in the Budget, including the announcement of the city’s first five-year plan and injecting HK$200 million into the BUD Fund. These initiatives demonstrate the HKSAR Government’s commitment to supporting Hong Kong SMEs and facilitating economic transformation and high-quality development. We will actively align with the Government’s policy direction, implement the national 15th Five-Year Plan, and support Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its position as an international financial, shipping and trading centre, while establishing the city as an international hub for I&T and high calibre talents.We will also extend our global business network, further deepen our ties with the ASEAN and Middle Eastern markets and explore more emerging markets. These efforts will further enhance Hong Kong’s pivotal role in the Belt and Road Initiative.”

Prof Ma added: “As a superconnector and super value-adder, Hong Kong enjoys the unique edge of linking the mainland and global markets. We successfully bring in international capital, technology, talents and advanced management expertise, helping mainland and local enterprises upgrade and innovate, while supporting mainland companies to go global via Hong Kong’s professional services platform.

“As a core member of the GoGlobal Task Force, the HKTDC will further leverage its network of 51 offices worldwide to help businesses explore global markets, diversify risks and achieve growth. We will continue to provide value-added services to Hong Kong enterprises, especially SMEs, empowering them to capitalise on e-commerce opportunities, drive their digital transformation and enhance their competitiveness.”

Comprehensive Go-Global Support Services

The HKTDC will strengthen its diverse business platforms, including international exhibitions, conferences, business matching, market intelligence and e-commerce support, offering one-stop comprehensive go global assistance, covering brand promotion, supply chain management, professional services matching and risk management.

The HKTDC will roll out more concrete measures and support programmes to help Hong Kong and mainland enterprises capitalise on national development strategies and global market opportunities and expand their international business in a sustainable manner.

Strengthening I&T ecosystem to help enterprises capture opportunities

The Budget introduced a range of measures to promote Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub. The HKTDC will continue to actively support the HKSAR Government by integrating I&T elements into its exhibitions, conferences and events. These platforms will help promote Hong Kong’s I&T strengths and ecosystem advantages to mainland and overseas markets, foster cross-industry and cross-regional collaboration and incorporate IP elements to enhance overall competitiveness and effectively protect innovation outcomes.

As the flagship event of the Business of Innovation and Technology Week (BIT Week) jointly organised by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC, InnoEX will once again take place in April to showcase cutting-edge technologies and global innovations, as well as accelerate technology commercialisation and achieve sustainable growth.

The HKTDC will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a global business hub, using its flagship events, efficient business matching and professional service connections to support businesses expand internationally.

The Budget also notes that the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. The HKTDC will work closely with the HKSAR Government to further strengthen AFF’s focus on finance empowering business (Finance +), by leveraging on the Global Business Summit, to enable the financial sector to better serve the real economy and industries with a competitive edge.

Media enquiries

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.