The Belt & Road Cross-Professional Forum took place today to promote Hong Kong's professional services with the goal of deepening the sector’s collaboration with business communities of Belt & Road countries and the Mainland.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau emphasised Hong Kong's role as a super connector as he highlighted the Belt & Road Initiative as being a key pillar in stabilising global economic development amid uncertainties.

Mr Yau said: “The US government announced plans to impose various kinds of tariffs on its imports, affecting a great many economies, including ours.

“It is of critical importance for both businesses and governments to adapt and face the challenges.

“From 2013 to 2022, Hong Kong's direct investment position in Belt & Road countries tripled to nearly US$120 billion. In around the same period, our merchandise trade with Belt & Road countries surged by about 60%. Hong Kong's business appeal has been growing, as both a super connector and a super value-adder.”

Mr Yau encouraged enterprises from the Mainland and Belt & Road countries to set up operations in Hong Kong, leveraging its world-class quality services and complementary support to expand into target markets effectively.

He also urged Hong Kong enterprises and professional services to partner with Mainland and Belt & Road enterprises to jointly explore new business opportunities through "bringing in and going global" - on one hand partnering with Mainland enterprises to jointly venture into new markets along the Belt & Road, and on the other hand assisting enterprises from Belt & Road countries in tapping the vast Mainland market to promote the prosperous growth of the Belt & Road.

The forum attracted over 250 participants, with over 30 business leaders sharing the latest business opportunities under the Belt & Road Initiative and showcasing dozens of business cases and potential projects in areas such as finance, law, and innovation and technology.