Hau Yung-kwong: Hong Kong's goods exports in the first ten months of this year increased by more than 13% year-on-year, and the related trend is expected to be sustainable.

The Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Qiu Ying-hua, stated in his speech at the event that Hong Kong's goods exports had grown for 20 consecutive months, with a year-on-year increase of over 13% in the first ten months of this year. Among them, exports to mainland China grew by over 15%; exports to ASEAN grew by over 30%, and the relevant trend is expected to continue in the visible future. Qiu Ying-hua mentioned that although the trade tensions between China and the US have eased in recent months, the structural changes in their trade relationship have deeply affected the global system. As for technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and automation, they are completely changing production processes, supporting more customized and localized manufacturing models, and reducing reliance on lengthy and complex supply chains. Qiu Ying-hua stated that Hong Kong has favorable conditions to become a global center for supply chain restructuring, especially against the backdrop of mainland enterprises expanding into Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and global southern markets. Additionally, over 300 companies are currently in the process of applying for listing in Hong Kong, with many planning to use Hong Kong as a strategic base for overseas expansion. Qiu Ying-hua also believes that Hong Kong still has a lot of potential in supporting and even driving supply chain restructuring. Hong Kong's financial institutions have a unique advantage in developing innovative financing tools, including blockchain trade finance platforms, which have effectively shortened transaction times, reduced counterparty risks, and increased transparency.