Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto)

Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (HKETO), Ms Emily Mo, graced the 2024 Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACCE) Awards Gala on April 20, where she presented the Best Asia Pacific Business Award.

In her address at the gala, Ms. Mo underscored Hong Kong’s enduring status as an optimal place for Canadian enterprises seeking to expand their operations into the Asian and mainland Chinese markets. She also highlighted the city's unique edges under the “one country, two systems”, its advantageous position being part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, its seamless access to mainland capital markets, and its simple, low-tax regime complemented by top-tier professional services and talents. These factors collectively foster an environment conducive to the growth and prosperity of businesses of all scales.

Ms Mo further elaborated on Hong Kong's proactive initiatives in fostering innovation and development across various sectors such as innovative technology, green finance, arts and culture, and more. “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSARG) has introduced a wide array of measures aimed at attracting enterprises and talents to bolster Hong Kong’s competitive edge,” she said. “Moreover, the HKETO has established a Dedicated Team for Attracting Businesses and Talents, dedicated to assisting Canadian industries and professionals across diverse sectors, from life sciences and artificial intelligence to new energy technologies, in seizing the abundant opportunities Hong Kong has to offer.”

Ms Mo shared the HKSARG’s latest initiative to promote mega event economy. She said, “Hong Kong has been presenting her charm as Asia's Events Capital to the world. With nearly 150 events slated for this year alone, spanning international financial summits, world-class art exhibitions, and mega sports events, Hong Kong is poised to attract global audiences, fostering not only economic growth but also serving as a magnet for industry leaders worldwide, who come to experience the city's dynamism and vibrancy firsthand.”

Before closing, Ms Mo emphasized that Hong Kong and Canada have always maintained strong commercial, cultural and people-to-people ties. She encouraged Canadian entrepreneurs to seize the vast opportunities in Hong Kong and experience its urban charm.

HKETO has sponsored the Best Asia Pacific Business Award since its inception in 2010. The award recognises entrepreneurs who have made a business success by using Hong Kong as a platform for their business expansion to the Asia Pacific region.

The 2024 ACCE’s Best Asia Pacific Business Award was bestowed upon Ms Jess Mok, Founder and Director of Decomomo. Originated from Hong Kong, Ms Mok founded the household storage product company in Canada in 2016 and is exploring opportunities to enhance its international presence in markets including the United States, Europe and Asia.