The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), led by president Dr. Cecilio Pedro, attended the World Chinese Entrepreneur Summit 2024 in Hong Kong on July 10, 2024.
The event, hosted by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC), gathered over 600 political and business leaders from Hong Kong and Chinese businessmen worldwide to discuss the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement and its latest developments, focusing on leveraging Hong Kong’s advantages to explore RCEP market opportunities.
CGCC chairman Jonathan Choi delivered the welcome remarks.
ASEAN secretary-general Dr. Kao Kim Hourn said the RCEP provides a strong foundation for a stronger ASEAN-China partnership. He encouraged Chinese entrepreneurs to join ASEAN in fostering innovation and embracing digitalization for future economic cooperation.
The summit featured three panel sessions: “Make Use of Hong Kong’s Financial Services to Explore Market Opportunities of the RCEP,” “Market Development of the RCEP and Opportunities for Hong Kong Professional Services” and “How the RCEP Can Drive the Momentum of Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology.”
Discussions at the forum centered on integrating and developing Hong Kong’s financial services, professional services and innovative technology industries with the RCEP market. Participants shared insights on Hong Kong’s functional roles in promoting regional cooperation.
FFCCCII vice president and belt and road committee adviser Anthony Chan participated as a guest speaker in the second panel session.
The FFCCCII delegation included Pedro, executive vice president Victor Lim and vice presidents William Gosiaco, David Chua, Delfin Letran, George Chiu, Michael Tan, Tai Lian, Jose Go, Anthony Chan, Frank Cokinhung, Antonio Tan, Antonio Cosing and Edwin Fabro.
Other members were welfare committee chairman Robert Kho Tian Ang, agricultural and natural resources committee chairman Parros Poon, property management committee chairman Alfredo Ting, belt and road committee co-chairman Stephen Wong, organization committee co-chairman Elain Chong, external affairs committee vice-chairman Xu Guanwen, trade and industry committee vice chairman Zhang Mengzhe, industrial relations committee vice chairman Shi Chunwu, belt and road committee vice chairmen Cai Yongda, Cai Chunchang, Zhou Jingwei and Cai Weibao.
Also joining the event were organization committee vice chairman Dr. Mary Gaw So, education and culture committee vice chairman Wilson Wan, social responsibility committee vice chairmen Joseph Tiu and Billy Ang, media and public information committee vice chairmen Wanzhen David and Shi Jinlang, property management and special projects committee vice chairman Ma Rongcong, government affairs and legislative liaison committee vice chairman Cai Qingzong, belt and road committee member Li Chengfeng and youth and integration committee member Zhuang Yayan.
The summit aimed to strengthen ties between Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It focused on leveraging strengths from both regions, especially in green finance and technological innovation.
Southeast Asia, with its growing population and dynamic business environment, offers many opportunities while Hong Kong, with its strong financial infrastructure and expertise, is well-positioned to partner in the said growth.
