The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year with a series of commemorative events. Two key events – the Next 60 Forum and 60th Anniversary Cocktail Reception – were held today, attracting over 1,000 guests from the political and business sectors. HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma personally invited several former Chairmen, including Dr Victor Fung, Peter Woo, Jack So and Vincent Lo, to serve as forum guests, while he himself served as the moderator. Together, they reviewed how the HKTDC has developed and looked ahead to future opportunities. Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Paul Lam, officiated at the reception and joined leaders from various sectors in witnessing this important milestone.Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: "This forum brings together an accumulated 480 years of experience and wisdom of several former Chairmen. We will build on the past and pave the way for the future, charting a new development outlook for Hong Kong. Under 'One Country, Two Systems', Hong Kong is guided by national development and is globally responsive, providing a strong foundation for progress. The HKTDC will continue to assist enterprises going global, deepen international exchange, strengthen industry connections, and facilitate substantive cooperation."
The Next 60 Forum centred on the theme of "Retrospect and Prospect". Former Chairman Baroness Dunn kicked off the forum with a pre-recorded address. Participants reviewed Hong Kong's economic transformation from a manufacturing base into an international financial and trading hub, and explored how Hong Kong can continue to play its role as a superconnector and super value-adder in an evolving global landscape.
The 60th Anniversary Cocktail Reception held in the evening of the same day was attended by Secretary for Justice of the HKSAR Paul Lam, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR Li Yongsheng, Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Xu Weigang, President of the Legislative Council Starry Lee, and a number of HKSAR government officials, including Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law, and Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Joseph Chan. Also in attendance were former HKTDC Chairmen Victor Fung, Peter Woo, Jack So and Vincent Lo, former Executive Directors Fred Lam and Margaret Fong, current Executive Director Sophia Chong, as well as current and former Council Members.
Prof Ma said: "Right before this reception, I had a lively dialogue with the HKTDC’s former Chairmen who shared their vision for the Council and Hong Kong in the coming decades. Let me tell you: the future looks bright. In spite of global challenges, I firmly believe that Hong Kong remains a beacon of hope. The HKTDC has always evolved alongside Hong Kong, our growth mirroring our city’s progress. And just like Hong Kong, the HKTDC has remained resilient, which I know will see us through the next 60 years."
Secretary for Justice of the HKSAR Paul Lam said in his address at the Reception: "For 60 years, the Government’s policy priorities coupled the steadfast support combined with the TDC’s global network and on-the-ground expertise.
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