Hong Kong Trade Development Council: The escalation of global risks makes diversification necessary. Hong Kong will continue to explore new market opportunities.

On September 9, the "Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation" kicked off, with the Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ma Shi-heng, stating in his opening speech that when the summit was founded ten years ago, it focused on creating opportunities through global connectivity and cooperation. Now, ten years later, in the face of rising global risks, diversification has shifted from being an option to a necessity, as new challenges arise daily, and new opportunities must also be seized. Ma Shi-heng pointed out that Hong Kong will continue to leverage the advantages of "One Country, Two Systems" to help mainland and Hong Kong enterprises discover new opportunities beyond traditional partners. As an international financial center, Hong Kong has long been a hub for global trade and services, and in recent years has actively developed into a center of excellence for innovation, technology, and ESG. Whether companies are seeking funding, technology, partners, or top talent, they can find suitable resources here. He stated that the core of the Belt and Road Initiative lies in establishing comprehensive new connections that convert potential into tangible benefits for the world. High-growth regions such as ASEAN, Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America are viewed as key areas of potential. Ma Shi-heng indicated that the Hong Kong Trade Development Council has repeatedly organized overseas study missions for government officials, including a trip led by the Hong Kong Chief Executive in June to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, successfully opening doors for substantial business cooperation and cultural exchange.