Letters | As an events capital, Hong Kong can showcase itself more effectively

Readers discuss Hong Kong’s hosting of the Apec Business Advisory Council meeting, Citybus’ inclusive hiring practices, and the Malaysian government’s plan to give its employees a pay rise

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Hong Kong’s M+ museum seen on January 24. Hong Kong’s efforts to draw international visitors deserve support. Photo: Eugene Lee

Published: 11:30am, 15 May 2024

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The second Apec Business Advisory Council (ABAC) meeting of 2024 was successfully held in Hong Kong last month. It was attended by over 200 key business leaders from all 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member economies.

The success of this high-level meeting has garnered an outpouring of positive feedback from delegates, who were introduced to the city’s developments in technology, the start-up ecosystem, smart healthcare, conservation and logistics infrastructure. They also experienced the multifaceted tapestry of Hong Kong’s culture.

Delegates were reassured of the city’s vibrancy, innovation and resilience, and of the business opportunities that abound in this city. A particularly pleasant surprise was Hong Kong’s commitment to inclusive growth, which was exemplified by the remarkable participation of women in various spheres of influence.

As highlighted by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu at the welcome dinner for ABAC delegates, all three Hong Kong, China’s representatives to ABAC are female. This represents the highest proportion of female representation among all Apec member economies.

Around 20 local women financial leaders also took part in the luncheon on “Hong Kong’s Resilience as an International Financial Centre” with ABAC delegates, demonstrating the strong participation and contribution of women in this international financial hub. The panel reinforced Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector linking mainland China to the rest of the world.