JANUARY 16, 2013

AmCham Supports Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive’s Policy Address

“The Chamber has high hopes and expectations for Chief Executive CY Leung. We value Mr. Leung’s down-to-earth approach in tackling Hong Kong’s domestic issues, as well as strengthening Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s world city,” AmCham President Richard Vuylsteke says.

AmCham shares the overall vision in Mr. Leung’s first Policy Address presented to the Legislative Council today. Not only does Hong Kong have the strong backing of China but it is also positioned to naturally benefit from the economic growth of the Asia Pacific region. Nevertheless, as well noted by Mr. Leung, the city as a regional and international hub cannot afford to lose its relevance and competitiveness.

The Chamber recognizes the significance of “sustained economic growth” and Hong Kong’s indispensable role contributing to China’s economic reform and liberalization. It supports the establishment of the Financial Services Development Council and the Economic Development Council.

In line with China’s 12th Five Year Plan and CEPA, Hong Kong is a role model in city planning, management expertise, global branding, worldwide distribution channels, technology and innovations, particularly for the services industry. It is also a “springboard” for Chinese domestic firm to “go global”. It should take full advantage of its unique offshore RMB business center position as “testing ground” to realize currency convertibility as well as to innovate and diversify products.

The continuous success of the city is contingent upon the two important quality of life issues, environment and education. The Chamber supports a road map with clear objectives to tackle issues concerning air quality, waste management, fuel mix, energy conservation, emission reduction, and resources recovery. AmCham cannot stress enough the importance for Hong Kong to take the lead and aim to achieve the more aggressive “Final” Air Quality Objectives (AQO) targets.

AmCham is pleased to see government’s will to adopt strong “carrots and sticks”, for example, the HK$10 billion proposal to phase out old diesel commercial vehicles, the proposal to impose a 15-year service life limit for new diesel commercial vehicles, and the proposals to facilitate traffic diversion. The Chamber urges the responsible government bureaus to continue taking bold steps in addressing these issues.

On education, the Chamber agrees that the government needs to take into account of the changing student population. It recommends the government to address the acute shortage of international school spaces symptomatic of the lack of planning model. Further, it supports the proposed education and training system for young people integrating academic studies and interest with professional and vocational training to meet 21st century business requirements. A structured and transparent approach to support long term and quality education will position Hong Kong effectively as a key source of internationally capable talent for a global China.

For inquiries, please contact Ms. Ming-Lai Cheung, Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs, by phone: (852) 2530 6927, or by email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it


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PRESS RELEASE – NOVEMBER 10, 2012

AmCham Hong Kong’s Delegation to Bangladesh

The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is leading a delegation of senior global and regional executives from the Apparel, Footwear and Textile sector to meet with Bangladesh Government officials on 10 -13 November 2012.

The delegation represents more than two dozens of brands and retailers, a substantial proportion of Bangladesh’s Ready Made Garment Export Value. These brands and retailers have expressed their interest in this delegation because they have grown their businesses in tandem with the substantial industrial growth in the country. The companies are very much interested in seeing this growth continue, with expectations that the overall quality and size of the industries can move to the next level of sustainable development.

The purpose of the trip is to develop an ongoing constructive dialogue and collaboration between the business sectors and the Government in achieving full potential for growth. The key near and longer term discussion topics include: middle-level management education and training, sustainable factory models, consideration of a periodic review of local minimum wage, and infrastructure developments.

The Chamber and the delegation members share the desires of the Bangladesh Government to achieve the long-term goals as employing more people, providing safer working conditions, and producing a broad range of excellent products. The delegation meetings will facilitate the building of a strong win-win environment mutually beneficial for the country as well as for the companies.

For inquiries, please contact Ms. Ming-Lai Cheung, Government Relations and Public Affairs Manager, by phone: (852) 2530 6927, or by email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

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AmCham’s new Beijing-born Chairman shares insights on Hong Kong’s future despite challenges and uncertainties ahead

James Sun, the incoming 2012 AmCham Chairman, today highlighted the Chamber’s continuing commitment in helping Hong Kong to strengthen and enhance its competitiveness in the challenging global economic environment.

Beijing-born Chinese American Sun is the Managing Director and Responsible Officer of Charles Schwab, Hong Kong, Ltd., overseeing its business in Asia. He oversees the business in Hong Kong, and other key markets including China, Taiwan, and Singapore.

Reflecting upon AmCham’s 43 years of service in Hong Kong, Sun emphasized that the Chamber and its members have a rich legacy of working with the governments of Hong Kong, China and the United States, as well as with the business community. He celebrated the tremendous amount of intelligence and experience of the Chamber with 1,850 international members from a wide variety of businesses, backgrounds and talents.

In 2012, Sun stated that AmCham would focus on three key priorities that would better serve its members and enhance Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s world city.

1. Proactive Participation in China’s 12th Five-Year Plan – The Chamber regards the 12th Five-Year Plan’s chapter on Hong Kong as a roadmap for identifying business opportunities and will proactively engage in empowering Hong Kong as a two-way bridge for trade and investment between China and the world, being both a “Gateway Into China” and a “Gateway Out of China”.

2. Hong Kong Competitiveness – Hong Kong being a First-Rate City needs First-Rate Air Quality, and the Chamber will urge the Government to adopt a “Carrot and Stick” approach to deal with road side pollution and energy efficiency problems; and Hong Kong being Asia’s World City needs World Class Talents, and the Chamber will urge the Government to strengthen education and training of human capital.

3. Effective Coordination with other Regional Business Organizations – AmCham is eager to work closely with other business organizations in Hong Kong and China to create synergies that will strengthen Hong Kong service industries, and help business development.

Sun further stated that the Chamber will continue advocating for the modernization of the US tax law which will bring more investment and jobs for American companies, American citizens and the US in general, and hence will raise US competitiveness.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties ahead, Sun emphasized that AmCham is optimistic about Hong Kong’s future and the Chamber leadership and staff all look forward to an exciting and rewarding Year of the Dragon.

Sun succeeds Robert Chipman, Chief Executive Officer of Asian Tigers KC Dat, in leading Hong Kong’s largest international chamber of commerce.

A copy of the Chairman’s Inaugural Address and photos of Chairman James Sun and President Richard Vuylsteke is available at: www.amcham.org.hk

For inquiries, please contact Mr. Dannio Chan, Government Relations Executive, by phone: (852) 2530 6917, or by email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

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ATTN: NEWS / BUSINESS EDITORS

New AmCham Chairman Confident Hong Kong will be able to
Continue “Building on Success”

Robert Chipman, the incoming 2011 AmCham Chairman, today emphasized the Chamber’s continuing commitment in helping Hong Kong to maintain and enhance its competitiveness in an ever challenging and global economy.