Malaysia urges Hong Kong to tap Asean’s trade potential ‘as a bloc’
Hong Kong’s fintech solutions, green finance skills and logistics innovation could streamline trade across Asean, Minister Anthony Loke says
Asean was Hong Kong’s second-largest trading partner last year, with total merchandise trade between the two sides totalling HK$1,289.6 billion (US$166 billion), accounting for 13.6 per cent of Hong Kong’s global merchandise trade. Loke pointed out that there were avenues for further expansion given the regional grouping’s growing market, skilled workforce and strategic location.
Look at Asean as a bloc … Think about the possibilities
“Look at Asean as a bloc, not as individual countries. This is a bloc where you have a 700 million population and an emerging middle class. Think about the possibilities,” he said at the summit organised by the South China Morning Post and held at The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s fintech solutions, green finance expertise and logistics innovation could streamline trade across all 10 Asean member states and fund the region’s transition towards sustainable transport infrastructure, he said.
“This is not a fantasy. It is entirely achievable with deeper partnership, by leveraging joint initiatives in shipping corridors, smart port development and digital systems. We hope travel and trade can be as simple as scanning a QR code going forward,” Loke said.