Opinion | UK is keen to do business with Hong Kong, while standing up for British values and interests
- From sustainability to fintech, there is much for the two economies, which share strong economic and financial ties, to collaborate on
- The British government is ready to engage constructively with Beijing and Hong Kong where interests converge, while remaining committed to the UK’s values
The United Kingdom’s ties with Hong Kong run deep, not only in our shared history and the connection between our people, but in business and our desire to succeed. This city in the heart of Asia is a commercial powerhouse with so much to offer on the global financial stage.
So much of Hong Kong’s commercial success and economic strength can be attributed to its “high degree of autonomy”, as outlined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Yet that autonomy is under untold pressure. Rights and freedoms, vital to any successful and prosperous economy, have been undermined.
As the first UK minister to visit the city in five years, this is an opportune time to reinforce our willingness to engage with Hong Kong – and indeed China – where our interests converge to preserve a positive relationship which delivers for the British people.
The UK and Hong Kong share strong economic and financial ties, benefiting from significant overlap in how we organise and regulate our open business environments. This puts investors at a great advantage, able to quickly and easily move capital between our economies to where it can generate the greatest economic growth.
There are real opportunities in clean growth and sustainability alone, which are reflected across a variety of sectors, including financial services, professional services, energy, transport and infrastructure, all of which the UK excels in.