Hong Kong and UAE explore collaboration opportunities ACN Newswire

Hong Kong and UAE explore collaboration opportunities

February 9, 2023
DUBAI, Feb 9, 2023 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - A delegation of business leaders from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), led by the city's Chief Executive and principal officials and organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week to strengthen existing business ties and develop new areas of collaboration in technology, sustainability and smart city development, in addition to traditional sectors of finance and trade.A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between HKTDC and Dubai Chambers.Panel speakers discussed the opportunities for deeper UAE-Hong Kong collaboration at the business forum before a dinner for the Dubai and Hong Kong business communities.With Hong Kong's unrivalled access to China and Asia and the UAE's role as a gateway to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and European markets, the relationship between the two commercial centres is already providing important benefits to a range of businesses.The arrival of the high-level business delegation, which comprises senior executives from Hong Kong's financial institutions, financial regulators as well as major players in innovation and technology (I&T), sustainability and smart city solutions, will help accelerate the commercial ties between the HKSAR and the Emirates, and support the strategic development of the UAE, Hong Kong and mainland China.The important strategic relationships, which exist between China and the UAE, are based on a shared backing for liberal trade policies, investment in cutting-edge technology, low tax regimes and backing for pro-business regulation.A press conference was held on 8 February in Dubai, followed by a business forum and dinner in the presence of H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, H.E. Mr Abdul-Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chambers and H.E. Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai International Chambers.Hong Kong's Chief Executive Mr John Lee said: "The UAE is Hong Kong's largest trading partner in the Middle East region. We treasure this long-standing relationship, and I believe that we can now take it to a higher level. That's why I'm here, together with these business leaders from Hong Kong - some 30 strong - to tell you that our business and investment doors are wide open and welcoming for UAE companies and investors. For a world of opportunities.""The commercial and political ties between Hong Kong and the UAE are growing ever stronger. It is clear we both approach business in the same way, backing innovation, investing in technology and looking for sustainable solutions. This business mission to the UAE shows the depth of existing commercial relationships and the potential to do a lot more."In response, H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi stressed the strength and durability of the strategic relations between the United Arab Emirates and the People's Republic of China, which are witnessing continuous development, especially in the areas of economics and trade. The forward-looking and visionary leadership of the two countries is building a strong partnership, opening up new opportunities and broadening bilateral economic cooperation.His Excellency added: "Strengthening investment and trade partnerships with Hong Kong supports the strategic cooperation between the UAE and China and contributes to opening new business fields, stimulating communication between the Emirati-Chinese business communities, especially in light of new economic opportunities".His Excellency continued: "The value of foreign trade between the UAE and Hong Kong amounted to about AED32 billion (US$8.7 billion) during the first 9 months of 2022, achieving a growth of 36% compared to the same period in 2021, while Hong Kong was among the top 10 trading partners for the UAE during 2021, with a contribution of more than 2% of the UAE's total non-oil trade."His Excellency indicated that the forum represents an important step in supporting increased trade and enhancing prospects for bilateral cooperation in a wide range of sectors, especially shipping, logistics, the service sector and air transport. It maximises benefits for Emirati companies and their counterparts in Hong Kong.HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter K N Lam mentioned in his opening remarks that "Dubai and Hong Kong are natural partners, when it comes to creating business opportunities. The signing of three MoUs* at our event tonight shows the tremendous potential for deeper collaboration. Creating business opportunities has been the work of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for over 55 years, and I am pleased to be part of these exciting times."Representing the business community in Dubai, H.E. Abdul-Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, commented: "I am proud to say that the UAE is the largest trading partner for Hong Kong in the Middle East. Non-oil trade between the UAE and Hong Kong reached AED22.2 billion in the first half of 2022, registering 16.2% growth compared to the first half of 2021. With the presence of our new international office in Hong Kong, I look forward to seeing continued collaboration with our Hong Kong counterparts and seeing the relationship between our countries thrive and prosper even more."In the trade delegation, Chief Executive Mr Lee is joined by three principal officials: Deputy Secretary of Justice Mr Horace Cheung, Secretary for Financial Services and Treasury Mr Christopher Hui and Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Mr Algernon Yau.Other business leaders from Hong Kong and the Emirates also exchanged views at a panel discussion yesterday. Chaired by Mr Yau, panel speakers included Mr Nicolas Aguzin, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd, Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries and Chairman of the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), Mr Horace Cheung, and H.E. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP) and H.E. Faisal Juma Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of Dubai International Chamber.* 3 MOUs have been signed between:- HKTDC and Dubai Chamber- Ho & Partners Architects, Negawatt, Masdar City, and The Catalyst- HKSTP and Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation ParkHong Kong: Ready for businessAs a two-way platform between China and the world and as one of the world's top financial centres, Hong Kong has been supporting businesses and investors worldwide to tap into the vast China and Asia market as well as playing a major role in the global financial system with special connectivity to the China market.As part of China, but operating under an international system, Hong Kong provides special access to and from the mainland in the flow of capital, goods, technology and people, as defined in the country's national 14th Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong is also a commercial hub for the Belt and Road Initiative, a global development plan initiated by China, and part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) - an area in Southern China earmarked by the Chinese government as a powerhouse of capital, I&T and cultural exchange driving the country's development.With the city's common law system, low tax regime, advanced infrastructure and connectivity and a long history as an international trade and business hub, Hong Kong is well-placed to support businesses from all over the world to invest and grow.Recently, the HKSAR Chief Executive announced in his Policy Address 2022 the wide array of incentives and measures to attract international strategic enterprises and investments to Hong Kong, particularly in areas such as life sciences, health technology, artificial intelligence and data science, financial technology, advanced manufacturing and new energy technology.Find out more about Hong Kong:- Hong Kong: general facts https://tinyurl.com/Asias-world-city- Hong Kong as a global financial centre https://tinyurl.com/Financial-Centre- Hong Kong's tech and innovation https://tinyurl.com/Tech-Innovation- Hong Kong as the commercial hub for the Belt and Road Initiative https://tinyurl.com/Belt-and-Road- Hong Kong as part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area https://tinyurl.com/Greater-Bay-Area- Photo Download: https://bit.ly/40LxYMuAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, 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. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.Media enquiriesCredo Communications:Habib Bacha, Tel: +971 (50) 111 3799, Email: habib.bacha@credocomms.comHKTDC:Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.orgSam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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Indonesia encourages ASEAN-EU partnership conducted based on equality ACN Newswire

Indonesia encourages ASEAN-EU partnership conducted based on equality

December 18, 2022
JAKARTA, Dec 18, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo attended the 45th ASEAN-European Union (EU) Commemorative Summit held in Brussels, Belgium on Wednesday (December 14).In his remarks at the Summit, President Jokowi stressed that the partnership between ASEAN and the European Union countries must be based on equality and there should be no coercion. "If we want to build a better partnership, that partnership must be based on equality and without coercion. There can no longer be parties who always dictate and think that their standard is better than others," he stated. Jokowi said that the 45 years of ASEAN and the European Union partnership had produced some good results.However, he also acknowledged that not all partnerships can always be good so that some differences must be resolved to create a good one. Therefore, Jokowi asked member countries of the European Union to be able to partner in equality with ASEAN countries.President Widodo had encouraged that the good relation and economic cooperation between the two regional organizations and all countries in the two regions must continue to be strengthened.Earlier, he also stated that Indonesia has always encouraged closer cooperation between ASEAN and the EU, who has been an important trading partner of ASEAN. "The trade value between ASEAN and the European Union in 2021 reached US$268.9 billion. The value is the third largest after China and the United States," he said.Apart from trade, Jokowi also mentioned that the European Union also plays an important role in foreign direct investment in ASEAN region, with an investment value of up to US$26 billion in 2021, which is the second largest investment after China. Vice versa, ASEAN is an increasingly important partner for the EU given the region's steady economic growth.For decades, ASEAN has become an economic powerhouse that offers mutually beneficial cooperation since it has the productivity advantage from each country in the region. "All projections say that Southeast Asia will remain a center of growth. Thus, the partnership with ASEAN will certainly be profitable," Jokowi pointed out.In fact, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that the ASEAN region's economy will remain stable with growth reaching 4.3 percent amid the possibility of a multidimensional crisis at the global level in 2023.Such an estimation is also reflected on the theme that Indonesia will carry out during its chairmanship in ASEAN next year -- "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth", with three priority agendas, namely recovery-rebuilding, digital transformation, and sustainability.Based on survey from the EU-ASEAN Business Council, some 63 percent of respondents view ASEAN as the region with the best economic opportunities. Meanwhile, 69 percent of respondents expect the ASEAN market to become more important in terms of global revenue in the next two years. Moreover, some 97 percent of respondents expressed hope that negotiation of the ASEAN-EU free trade agreement (FTA) will be accelerated and make good progress to be concluded.Therefore, regarding the ASEAN-EU long standing relationship, President Jokowi urged all countries in the two regions to build an equal and mutually beneficial partnership in order to recover from the pandemic and the multidimensional crisis that both are currently facing. "We learned an important lesson... that to grow and to prosper together is the only option. We don't only have to move forward together, but we also have to move forward equally. Let us have a better future together," Jokowi concluded.Written by: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga, Editor: Fardah Assegaf (c) ANTARA 2022 Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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Guangxi University of Foreign Language signs Memorandum of Understanding with Hang Seng University of Hong Kong ACN Newswire

Guangxi University of Foreign Language signs Memorandum of Understanding with Hang Seng University of Hong Kong

December 16, 2022
HONG KONG, Dec 16, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Guangxi University of Foreign Languages ("GUFL") and The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong ("HSUHK") signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") on 30 November 2022. The MoU promotes a deeper cooperation between the two universities by integrating resources, academic strengths, research and other specialized academic fields. It also enhances the cultivation of top-notch multilingual talents with international perspectives that are needed to support the Greater Bay Area's future development. Additionally, it encourages graduates from the two universities to explore the tremendous market opportunities available within the ASEAN economies that are being fueled by the Belt and Road Initiative. Front row from left, Professor Gibert Fong (2nd), Professor Bradley R. Barnes (3rd), Ms. Wei Qian (4th), and Mr. Chow Ka Wo, Alex as well as other representatives took a group photo after the signing ceremony.Representatives who attended the online signing ceremony include Professor Gibert Fong, Dean from School of Translation & Foreign Languages of HSUHK, Professor Bradley R. Barnes, Dean from Business of School of HSUHK, Ms. Wei Qian, Executive Director, the chairlady of the Board and the chief executive officer of InnoEd Group Limited, Chairman and CEO, and Mr. Chow Ka Wo, Alex, Chief financial officer of InnoEd Group Limited. The MoU creates a unique collaborative arrangement that establishes exchange services between the two universities and enriches students learning experience. The student exchange program enables eligible students to enroll at the other's university in order to widen their academic exposure and enhance their international experience. Additionally, a faculty exchange program is being established to promote academic interaction and cooperation, as well as create a strong foundation to develop joint training programs, joint research programs, and share teaching curriculum. The two universities will promote academic cooperation and educational programs development by regular exchanges, mutual visits, academic interaction and cooperation between faculty and students. Futhermore, the universities will actively explore opportunities to cooperate in joint research projects, international conferences, seminars and other academic exchange activities to enhance their academic reputations, strengthen their education programs in related industries and promote mutual progress in teaching, research and other academic aspects.Expanding higher education's prospects through cooperation, cultivating talents with international perspectives GUFL's management stated that GUFL aims to cultivate talents with multiple language skills, practical business knowledge and international perspectives. GUFL is ideally positioned in Guangxi, a frontier and important window for exchanges and cooperation between China and the ASEAN countries. The university is using its geographical advantage to develop the necessary talent to support the development of the ASEAN region and Belt and Road Initiative. In contrast, HSUHK is based in Hong Kong, a renowned international city that plays an important role in the development of the Greater Bay Area. The university implements a unique "Liberal + Professional" education model that prioritizes teaching quality and students' all-round development to foster students realizing their full potential.Through the universities' exchange programs and cooperation, the Management believes that it will not only help expand cooperation between other universities in Mainland China and Hong Kong to develop similar academic exchange programs, joint research and other collaborations, but also promote students from the two places to gain a broader international perspective and contribute to the country's future development. The GUFL program will bolster students' knowledge of non-language majors while also developing their foreign language skills. This program embraces the school's educational philosophy of placing equal emphasis on language learning and professional education, while also enabling students to broaden their international perspective through attending HSUHK. Additionally, the cooperation provides an opportunity for HSUHK students to develop a second language, and learn about Southeast Asian culture. Essentially, the exchange program cultivates outstanding talents who can contribute to the deepening ASEAN economic cooperation and development. With unique teaching backgrounds and geographical advantages, the cooperation is expected to develop talents with international vision and promote the diversification and internationalization of the higher education industry in both Mainland China and Hong Kong.Pursing national policies to advance the Greater Bay Area developmentThe Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party and the State Council issued its "Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area", which calls for building an education and talent highland in the Greater Bay Area. The outline includes cooperation among schools and universities, encouraging joint development of advantageous disciplines, laboratories and research centers, supporting the construction of an international education demonstration zone in the Greater Bay area, encouraging Hong Kong and Macao youths to study in Mainland China schools, promoting cooperation in various aspects of vocational education in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, expanding cooperation between the Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao universities, and supporting exchanges and cooperation among various vocational education training bases."This cooperation closely follows the Greater Bay Area development plan and is in line with the Greater Bay Area's talent cultivation policy. Both institutions will further explore innovative ways to strengthen students' academic progress through exchange programs and interactions between teachers and students, so as to empower the future development of the Greater Bay Area." The Management continued. Providing Hong Kong's needed multilingual talent, deepening and expanding the market opportunities in ASEAN region and the Belt and Road Initiative As the international city of the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong has many permanent residents from ASEAN countries. The open economic system and position as an international financial, trade and shipping centre creates strong demand for multilingual talents. GUFL, as the only private undergraduate university of foreign languages in Guangxi, specializes in providing top quality language programs focusing on Southeast Asian languages. The university embraces the mission of "Established in Guangxi, Oriented towards China, Radiate to Southeast Asia" to meet the many evolving demands driven by local and regional socio-economic developments. The exchange programs and cooperation will not only help meet Hong Kong's demand for multilingual talents, but will also provide Hong Kong students with the opportunity to experience Guangxi and learn about Southeast Asia's diverse culture. This knowledge will be invaluable to developing career opportunities in the Asia Pacific region.The GUFL Management commented, "Signing the MoU with HSUHK opens up new prospects for the university and our students. The cooperation will enable us to cultivate more multilingual talents with an international perspective. Simultaneously, it enhances the relationship between two top universities, and further strengthens the communication between the Mainland China and Hong Kong in the field of higher education."Looking forward, Management expects to develop stronger professional and applied Southeast Asian language programs and cultivate more talents with a balanced emphasis on strengthening language skills and professional education, thereby promoting the integrated development of Guangxi and the ASEAN regions for building a strong highly educated society.About Guangxi University of Foreign LanguagesGuangxi University of Foreign Languages ("GUFL") is affiliated to the InnoEd Group Limited, who is the largest private foreign language higher education institution in China. GUFL is the largest private undergraduate education institution in Guangxi in terms of undergraduate enrolment in the 2020/2021 academic year, according to Frost & Sullivan. GUFL primarily offers bachelor's degree programmes and junior college diploma programmes. The curricula is designed with a distinct emphasis on the integration of language learning with professional education. It specializes in the education of Southeast Asian languages, including Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Lao and Indonesian. Meanwhile, it offers 56 majors across six main academic disciplines, including literature, economics, management, education, arts and engineering.The two campuses of GUFL are situated in Nanning, Guangxi, the permanent site of the China-ASEAN Expo, and Fusui, Guangxi, National Nanning - ASEAN Economic Development Zone, being strategic locations in the development of free trade and economic cooperation between China and the ASEAN. GUFL has adopted the service-oriented positioning of "Established in Guangxi, Oriented towards the entire China, Radiate to the Southeast Asia" and has a mission to cultivate talent with niche language skills, practical knowledge and an international perspective to meet the evolving demands driven by local and regional socio-economic developments. Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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Vietnam – Hong Kong New Vision . New Opportunities – Smart Cities’ Leaders Forum Closes with Great Success ACN Newswire

Vietnam – Hong Kong New Vision . New Opportunities – Smart Cities’ Leaders Forum Closes with Great Success

November 22, 2022
HONG KONG, Nov 22, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Supported by the Consulate General of Vietnam in Hong Kong, hosted by CT Group, and organized by New Media Foundation and Aliquantum Group, "Vietnam - Hong Kong: New Vision . New Opportunities - Smart Cities' Leaders" forum-cum-luncheon (the "forum") was successfully held at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong this afternoon. The gathering of ministerial officials, business leaders and professionals from diverse industries at the forum discussed the booming business opportunities in and between Vietnam and Hong Kong. The forum featured a welcome speech made by Mr Wu Ting Yuk, Anthony, GBS, JP, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and Honourable Advisor, New Media Foundation, with him mentioning the changes Vietnam has undergone for the betterment of future and that this forum has given them a great chance to discuss tourism, culture and other business opportunities between Vietnam and Hong Kong. Followed by addresses from Mr Pham Binh Dam, Consulate-General of the S.R of Viet Nam in the Hong Kong SAR and also Professor Hu Shao Ming, Herman, SBS, JP, Deputy, the 12th/13th National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China and Chairman, Ryoden Development Ltd., expressing their appreciation of the forum's aim of promoting cooperation between Vietnam and Hong Kong. The aforementioned together with Mr Tran Kim Chung, Chairman of CT Group; Ms Tran Ghue Giao, Member of the Board of Directors of CT Group and CT Land; Academician, Dr Pham Khoi Nguyen, Senior advisor of CT Group; Dr Lam Kin Chung, Honorary Doctoral of Hanoi University; Mr Tse Hoi Ga, Edgar, Chief Operating Officer of CT Land; Professor Chiu Tsang Hok Wan, BBS, JP, Founding Chairman, Greater China Culture Global Association and Dr Ho Wai Fung, Vincent, Founder and Chairman, New Media Foundation, cut the ribbon to official mark the start of the forum. At the forum, Mr Tran Kim Chung made a presentation themed "Vietnam's New Vision . New Opportunities", during which he shared his insights on the potentials Vietnam has and his hope to promote in-depth trade exchanges among ASEAN countries. CT Group, one of the largest developers in Vietnam, has with foresights spent the last 30 years meticulously preparing to "shift and become a future technology dragon" and a comprehensive urban developer. Mr Tran Kim Chung stated: "CT Group will continue to build on its strengths and play a vital role in business cooperation, supporting the incredible development in both Hong Kong and Vietnam, plus aiding their connection with the international market."The panel discussion at the forum had Professor Hung Wai Man, Witman, JP, as moderator, and Mr Pong Po Lam, Paul and Professor Lam Pong Yuen, Howard, as guest speakers, sharing their inspiring insights under the theme "New Opportunities". The speakers highly rated Hong Kong's internationally-recognised, forward-looking financial regulatory environment and emphasised Vietnam's great development prospects, as well as the strive to push for new breakthroughs and stronger ties between the two sides.The forum closed with the remarks of Dr Ho Wai Fung, Vincent. He said: "On behalf of New Media Foundation, I give my heartfelt appreciation to all of our guests who are here today to share with us their valuable insights. I believe the forum has given us a guiding vision on achieving interconnection between Vietnam and Hong Kong and seeing that interconnection become yet more diverse and in-depth in the future." Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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