- Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, emphasised that Hong Kong is actively developing its digital trade ecosystem, with a focus on innovation, efficiency and international collaboration, to consolidate its competitive advantages. As digital trade becomes more common, the HKTDC will ensure Hong Kong businesses continue to thrive and enhance the city’s role as a leading supply chain hub.

- Pamela Mar, Managing Director of ICC DSI, noted that by aligning its finance, trade and logistics sectors with global digital trade standards, Hong Kong can remain competitive and resilient on the world stage and is well-positioned to spearhead Asia’s digital-trade development.

- Andy Lam, Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR Government, said that the Government is making reference to the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records and is considering legislative amendments to remove the legal hurdles in the digitalisation of trade documents. The target is to submit the relevant legislative proposal to the Legislative Council next year to help industry develop technical solutions based on their actual needs.

Digitalisation is reshaping the global economy, and companies must embrace digital transformation to capitalise on new opportunities. The 2025-26 Budget announced that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government would make reference to the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) advocated by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and consider legislative amendments to facilitate digitalisation of trade documents. The legislative proposal will be submitted to the Legislative Council next year. The MLETR is a global standard advocated by the UNCITRAL to provide a legal framework for electronic trade documents. Aligning local legislation with standards of the MLETR is a major endeavour in promoting trade digitalisation. In line with these efforts, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the International Chamber of Commerce Digital Standards Initiative (ICC DSI) co-hosted the “Digital Trade Masterclass” at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to examine the MLETR’s potential impact on Hong Kong’s cross-border trade. Industry experts shared practical insights on digital transformation, helping equip businesses with the information they need to enhance their high value-added service capabilities. More than 200 SMEs participated in the event.

As an international financial and trading centre and a leading re-export hub, Hong Kong is able to capitalise on its unique advantages to reinforce connectivity, serving as a bridge linking the mainland and global markets. It provides high-standard professional services, robust financial infrastructure and an innovative environment for international trade. The HKTDC works closely with the HKSAR Government to highlight the city’s strength in delivering high value-added services across the trade supply chain.

Speaking at the event, Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, said that with the changing trade landscape, there was no better time to reinforce Hong Kong’s competitive advantages.

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