In celebration of the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China, the Textile Council of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Textiles jointly hosted an exclusive luncheon titled “Hong Kong: the Dynamic Trade Hub for Global Fashion & Textile Industry”.

The event attracted over 100 guests, including industry leaders, government officials, foreign consuls and representatives from trade organizations, reaffirming Hong Kong’s pivotal role in the global fashion and textile industry.

In his keynote speech titled “Hong Kong: the Dynamic Trade Hub for Global Fashion & Textile Industry”, Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, emphasized that Hong Kong enterprises should seize the opportunities of the new era to upgrade and transform.

The luncheon also featured a panel discussion moderated by Paul Yeung, Managing Director, Head of Enterprise Banking, Commercial Banking, HSBC. Panelists explored key trends, challenges and opportunities facing the industry, particularly in the areas of sustainability, digital transformation and global trade partnerships.

During the panel discussion, Dr William Fung, Group Deputy Chairman of Fung Group, shared his views on the current global situation and challenges and opportunities for Hong Kong. In addition, Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), introduced HKTDC’s efforts in expanding new markets for Hong Kong enterprises. Finally, Andrew Lo, Chief Executive Officer of Crystal International Group Limited, explained how Hong Kong manufacturers can be more innovative and collaborate with peers in mainland China.

In his welcome speech, Yeung Fan, Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Textiles, stated, “The industry must address current challenges, including fluctuations in international trade – such as increased exports to the EU, decreased exports to the US and ASEAN – and the decline in the domestic market,”. He called on the industry to align with the Central Government’s strategies, as well as with the HKSAR Government’s policies, and to nevigate these challenges with adaptability and resilience.

His views were echoed by Bosco Law, Chairman of the Textile Council of Hong Kong, who highlighted Hong Kong’s status as a world-class city with outstanding infrastructure: “Looking ahead, Hong Kong will continue to integrate into the national development plan, bringing together all sectors to boost our international competitiveness even further.”

Legislative Council member for the Textiles and Garment functional constituency Hon Sunny Tan pointed out that Hong Kong is the most important international fashion and textile hub in Asia with the textile and garment industry as one of the most proactive industries in going global. He expressed confidence that the industry, by continuing to work together and embracing innovation, will create more opportunities for international collaboration within the new development landscape. This will contribute significantly to the nation’s strategy of “deepening international engagement.”

The event showcased not only Hong Kong as a dynamic and innovative hub for the fashion and textile industry, but also Hong Kong’s contributions to the global textile sector, and its commitment to shape the future of the industry through innovation, sustainability and international cooperation.

Textile and garment industry hosts luncheon on “Hong Kong: the Dynamic Trade Hub for Global Fashion & Textile Industry”