The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) marked its 60th anniversary with a series of events, including the Next 60 Forum and a 60th Anniversary Cocktail Reception held on June 16, 2026. These gatherings attracted over 1,000 attendees from political and business communities, highlighting the council’s role in promoting trade and economic cooperation.
HKTDC Chairman Professor Frederick Ma convened a panel of former chairpersons, including Baroness Dunn—who delivered a pre-recorded address—and Dr. Victor Fung, Peter Woo, Jack So, and Vincent Lo, all of whom participated in person. The group collectively underscored Hong Kong’s strategic position as a global superconnector and value-adder, emphasizing its alignment with China’s national development strategies as a foundation for expanding global trade cooperation.
Professor Ma noted that the forum brought together nearly five centuries of combined leadership experience, with a focus on building upon past achievements to navigate Hong Kong’s future development. He stressed Hong Kong’s unique status under “One Country, Two Systems,” which allows the city to be both nationally guided and globally responsive. The HKTDC aims to continue supporting enterprises in going global, fostering international exchanges, strengthening industry collaborations, and facilitating practical cooperation.
The anniversary reception was officiated by Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and attended by senior officials, including Li Yongsheng, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and Xu Weigang, Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR. A thematic exhibition was also unveiled, documenting the HKTDC’s growth over six decades.
Looking ahead, the HKTDC plans to leverage opportunities from China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, supporting government initiatives and assisting mainland companies in expanding overseas. The council will focus on five major industry clusters: Finance and Professional Services; Global Network and Supply Chain; Technology and Digital Innovation; Wellness and Creative Industries; and Consumer Goods and Lifestyle, tailoring support to their evolving needs.
Hong Kong’s competitive advantages—as a vibrant business hub with a common law system, independent judiciary, low tax regime, and proximity to a market of nearly 1.5 billion people—remain intact despite global uncertainties. The close economic relationship with neighboring Shenzhen and the broader Greater Bay Area, home to a combined population of about 80 million, offers significant potential for growth in sectors such as technology, industry, finance, and tourism.
The city’s status as one of the world’s few free ports is considered critical to preserving its role as a gateway between mainland China and international markets. Former and current HKTDC leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining the unimpeded flow of goods, people, and capital while deepening ties with the mainland amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. They cautioned against reinstating pandemic-era restrictions and highlighted the necessity of protecting core freedoms to sustain Hong Kong's economic vitality.
In response to shifting global dynamics, the council is reassessing its global network of 51 offices, with an eye on reallocating resources to emerging markets such as Kazakhstan. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam highlighted the HKTDC’s pivotal role in transforming connections into collaborative partnerships that contribute to the global economy. The council continues to host international expos at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, drawing businesses and buyers from around the world to the city.