Geopolitics high on list as Hong Kong trade body searches for new director
Current Trade Development Council executive director Margaret Fong will retire later this year
Hong Kong’s Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is searching for a replacement for its executive director ahead of her retirement, with the Post learning that the government prefers a candidate with a strong grasp of both geopolitical issues and commerce.
According to an insider familiar with the hiring process, a selection committee headed by the financial secretary will be set up to pick the right candidate for the city’s trade promotion body, with incoming council chairman Frederick Ma Si-hang also joining the panel.
Another source said on Wednesday that candidates were expected to have different qualities from those recruited in the past, adding that ideally they should have a good understanding of mainland China, emerging markets and geopolitics given the escalating US-China tensions.
Executive director Margaret Fong Shun-man will retire later this year when she reaches 60.
In a reply to the Post, the council confirmed that Fong would retire and that it was carrying out the selection process to find her successor.
“Our strong governance ensures that services and support for SMEs remain unaffected by personnel changes,” a spokesman said.