Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau proceeded to Sydney, Australia from Auckland, New Zealand, today to start his visit to Australia to deepen collaboration in trade and investment between Hong Kong and Australia.

Upon arrival, Mr Yau attended a reception hosted by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its establishment.

Speaking at the reception, the commerce chief remarked that the Sydney ETO has played a crucial role over the last three decades in facilitating communication and collaboration between Hong Kong and Australia, serving as a vital connector that brings together the two communities and laying a strong foundation for even deeper co-operation in the years ahead.

Mr Yau pointed out that in 2024, Hong Kong was Australia's 10th-largest export market, with bilateral trade in goods between the two places reaching approximately AUD8 billion.

He further noted the strong post-pandemic recovery in tourism and connectivity, citing the growing flow of visitors to Hong Kong and vibrant expatriate communities between Hong Kong and Australia as a testament to the enduring strength of bilateral relations.

Mr Yau also outlined Hong Kong's ongoing initiatives to enhance its business environment and regional competitiveness, such as the Top Talent Pass Scheme to attract global talent and foster innovation, and the recent reduction of the duty rate on liquor to promote the liquor trade.

On regional trade, he said Hong Kong is actively seeking to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and its accession to RCEP will enhance regional value chains and create new synergies in various areas, benefitting Australian exporters, service providers and investors alike.

Before proceeding to Sydney today from Auckland, Mr Yau paid a courtesy call on the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland Chen Shijie to update him on the latest social and economic developments in Hong Kong.