HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto on Wednesday reaffirmed the special administrative region’s unique role as a global business gateway at the 12th Transpacific Entrepreneurial Conference.
Themed "TransPacific Economic Diversification: New Investment Opportunities", the conference – a signature initiative of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong – was held in a hybrid format connecting Hong Kong, Canada, and Asia.
It brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to explore emerging trade and investment prospects between Asia and Canada, according to a government press release.
Describing Hong Kong as a "super-connector" and "super value-adder", Director of the Toronto HKETO Bill Wong highlighted the city's distinct advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle in his opening speech.
He said a highly internationalized business environment, world-class professional services, a common law system aligned with international practices, and a simple and competitive tax regime position the SAR as a natural bridge between the Chinese mainland and global markets.
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Despite global trade challenges, Hong Kong's exports and imports of goods both grew by over 14 percent in the first 11 months of 2025, he said.
Hong Kong also reclaimed its position as the world's leading initial public offering venue, raising approximately $35 billion, contributing to a year of economic growth expected to reach 3.2 percent, he added.
Pointing out that Hong Kong's competitiveness continues to receive strong international recognition, Wong said the city was ranked the world's freest economy last year by the Canada-based Fraser Institute, third globally in terms of competitiveness, as well as among the global financial centers.
Speaking about initiatives to further strengthen the SAR’s role as a "super-connector", he highlighted the establishment of a new task force to support mainland enterprises in expanding overseas through Hong Kong and the launch of the "Economic and Trade Express" platform to assist overseas companies in accessing Asian and mainland markets via Hong Kong.
Wong encouraged Canadian and international entrepreneurs to leverage the strengths of Hong Kong as a dynamic platform for growth, innovation, and transpacific economic diversification, stressing that the city will help create more opportunities for businesses.
The 12th Transpacific Entrepreneurial Conference – jointly presented with the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association and supported by Toronto HKETO and Invest Hong Kong – included six panel discussions.
Deputy Head of Investment Promotion of InvestHK Toronto Office Grace Lau shared insights at the panel themed "Diversified Entrepreneurs - New Investment Opportunities".
