Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau represented the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government at the third China International Import Expo opening ceremony online today.

After the opening ceremony, Mr Yau noted that with strict control of the epidemic, the Mainland has seen a V-shaped rebound in its economy since the second quarter.

He pointed out that according to the just approved Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan, the country is determined to expand its domestic demand and develop a strong domestic market in the coming five years, with a view to establishing a new development model featuring domestic and international dual circulations that complement each other. 

Domestic consumption and potential for investment on the Mainland are both expected to increase significantly. To Hong Kong companies, future economic growth naturally lies in the Mainland market.

Mr Yau noted that more Hong Kong companies are participating in the expo than last year, reflecting their desire to seize the golden opportunity to promote Hong Kong's quality products and professional services in the massive Mainland market.

“Hong Kong enterprises that could integrate into the overall development of the country and fully tap the opportunities brought about by the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt & Road Initiative to expand their sales and network will be able to leverage on this historical opportunity to explore more business,” he added.

There are about 240 Hong Kong enterprises participating in the expo this year, up by about 20% over the previous year. Among them, 45 companies and organisations will participate in the exhibition for the third straight year. 

The 45 Hong Kong companies will showcase products and services in various areas including infrastructure and construction, logistics, design, professional services, information and communication technologies and innovative technologies.

The expo will be held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10. In keeping with epidemic prevention and control, the expo and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum Opening Ceremony was held today in an integrated online-offline mode.