tem","position":5,"name":"Comment","item":{"@type":"Thing","@id":"https://www.thestandard.com.hk/comment"}}]}]17:T6b4,

Frederick Ma Si-hang, the newly appointed chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), emphasized the importance of Hong Kong seizing opportunities arising from global trade tensions influenced by U.S. policies.

Speaking on a radio program on Sunday, Ma noted that many foreign companies and investors may consider expanding their presence in Hong Kong as U.S. policies reshape the global tariff landscape.

He highlighted that these changes could drive up the Hong Kong stock market and expressed hope that the city could leverage this situation to revitalize its economy.

The new HKTDC chairman pointed out that the government is focusing on emerging markets, such as the Middle East and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), especially as Hong Kong's exports to the U.S. have been declining gradually.

Ma revealed plans for HKTDC to prioritize key markets for future development and optimize the city's global strategy, as its 51 international offices operate with limited resources.

For instance, Ma pointed to Africa -- where several populous nations are experiencing strong economic growth -- as a promising frontier for Hong Kong's trade expansion.

Meanwhile, the HKTDC has launched various schemes to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in expanding their markets within the Greater Bay Area.

Ma emphasized the importance of digitalization for transforming SMEs, urging them to capitalize on the opportunities driven by technology and e-commerce development.

Hong Kong stands to gain from Trump's policies: TDC chief