The Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta, Miss Libera Cheng, attended a dinner organised by the Hongkong Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc in Manila, the Philippines today (July 5) to celebrate the 27th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Around 200 guests from the local government and business sectors attended the event.

     Addressing the event, Miss Cheng said that Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the "one country, two systems" arrangement. Hong Kong will continue to maintain a high level of internationalisation and strengthen regional collaboration, including seeking early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, to further reinforce its connection with the Philippines and other countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

     "The Central Government has introduced a series of measures in support of Hong Kong over the past few days, injecting new impetus to our economic development. Among others, the Exit and Entry Administration of the country will start to issue a card-type document to non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents next Wednesday (July 10) to enhance their clearance convenience at Mainland control points, greatly facilitating their business travels to the Mainland. I encourage the Philippine business community to leverage this new measure to explore the vast potential in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the entire Mainland market, with Hong Kong as their base," she added.

     She also gave an account of the HKSAR Government's work in attracting businesses and capital, including measures to attract family offices to Hong Kong and the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme launched in March this year.

     "The HKSAR Government has continued to roll out business-friendly measures recently. We have introduced an arrangement to extend expiring land leases without having to execute a new contract, providing greater convenience and confidence to investors. Meanwhile, the 'patent box' tax incentive encourages enterprises to forge ahead with more research and development activities, and promotes intellectual properties trading. Both relevant legislations have taken effect today."

     The dinner featured a lucky draw session to give out round-trip air tickets between Manila and Hong Kong, thereby incentivising Philippine businessmen to visit Hong Kong to attend mega events and explore business opportunities.

     Also attending the dinner were the Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, Ms Wang Yulei, and the Director of Singapore of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Vivienne Chee.

Ends/Friday, July 5, 2024
Issued at HKT 21:34

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