The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco Hosts 2025 Spring Reception in Los Angeles

LAPost/Los Angeles (February 24, 2025) — The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (HKETO) successfully hosted the 2025 Spring Reception in Los Angeles on February 24, drawing over a hundred guests, including local elected officials and community leaders. Deputy Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles, Mr. Huang Hongjiang, attended the event and officiated the traditional lion eye-dotting ceremony, adding to the festive atmosphere. The event was led by Ms. Iris Wong, Acting Director of HKETO in San Francisco, who brought her team to Los Angeles for the occasion.

Deputy Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, Huang Hongjiang (left), with Iris Wong (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

In her speech, Ms. Wong reflected on the longstanding partnership between Hong Kong and the United States, emphasizing the strong ties across people, businesses, and government sectors. She expressed her hope to further enhance bilateral exchanges through continued collaboration. Ms. Wong highlighted that Hong Kong’s economy accelerated in the fourth quarter of 2024, with a 2.5% year-on-year GDP growth — a testament not only to Hong Kong’s local resilience but also its robust international trade network.

Acting Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, Iris Wong, delivers a speech (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Speaking on the economic relationship between Hong Kong and the U.S., Ms. Wong pointed out that these close ties have been a key factor in Hong Kong’s economic success over the decades. Currently, around 1,400 U.S. companies operate in Hong Kong, and the U.S. remains one of Hong Kong’s largest sources of foreign direct investment (FDI), with an investment flow of US$90 billion. Additionally, approximately 84,000 American citizens reside in Hong Kong, forming one of the largest foreign communities in the city. These economic connections extend beyond commerce, fostering innovation and shared prosperity.

Trade between the two regions remains strong. In 2024, U.S. exports to Hong Kong totaled nearly US$26 billion, with a trade surplus exceeding US$21 billion — one of the largest trade surpluses the U.S. enjoys globally. Despite Hong Kong’s population of just 7.5 million, the city ranks as the 17th largest market for U.S. agricultural products worldwide, underscoring its significance in global trade.

Ms. Wong also highlighted Hong Kong’s top rankings in global business and financial competitiveness. Hong Kong consistently ranks among the top 10 economies in the World Bank’s index, third in the Global Financial Centers Index, and has been recognized as the world’s freest economy by Canada’s Fraser Institute. These accolades reflect not only Hong Kong’s economic strength but also its adaptability and innovative spirit in an ever-evolving global landscape.

In addition, to boost high-end liquor trade and auctions, Hong Kong recently lowered import duties on certain spirits. This new policy, combined with Hong Kong’s booming cocktail culture — home to nearly one-fifth of Asia’s top 50 bars — opens vast opportunities for American whiskey and spirit industries.

Regarding innovation and technology, Ms. Wong spoke about Hong Kong’s rapid growth in the sector, working alongside Shenzhen and Guangzhou to form the “Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou Innovation and Technology Cluster,” ranked second in the Global Innovation Index. Hong Kong is now home to more than 4,700 startups, with over 15 homegrown unicorn companies emerging since 2014. Furthermore, more than 50 strategic enterprises plan to set up or expand in Hong Kong, with a projected investment of US$5.38 billion over the next few years — creating over 17,000 new jobs.

As a global aviation hub, Hong Kong continues to strengthen its connectivity. Ms. Wong noted that Hong Kong links to nearly 200 destinations worldwide and has maintained its position as the world’s busiest air cargo hub for over a decade. With the completion of the three-runway system, Hong Kong’s international reach will grow even stronger.

Corporate Account Manager of Cathay Pacific Airways, Ms. Carman Chan (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Ms. Carman Chan, Corporate Account Manager of Cathay Pacific Airways, shared exciting updates about the airline’s North American operations. “We are thrilled to support HKETO’s Spring Reception today. Cathay Pacific has fully resumed operations in North America, with seven gateways and nearly 100 weekly flights. Starting April 24, we will launch a direct service from Dallas-Fort Worth to Hong Kong, our eighth North American gateway. Additionally, direct flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Hong Kong will increase to three per day — beginning late March for LA and May for SF.”

Young Hong Kong Guzheng musician Melody Ho performs for the guests (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

The evening also featured a captivating musical performance by Hong Kong’s young guzheng artist, Melody Ho. She performed a medley of festive songs, including Step by Step High, Joyful, God of Wealth Arrives, Spring Blossoms, and Bless You, as well as her original piece Spring Frost and classic works like Battle Against Typhoon and Ambush from All Sides. Her exquisite performance added a rich cultural touch to the celebration and showcased the remarkable talents of Hong Kong’s young artists.

The Spring Reception filled with a festive Chinese New Year atmosphere (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

The 2025 Spring Reception not only fostered connections between Hong Kong and Southern California’s business and cultural communities but also highlighted Hong Kong’s dual identity as both a global business hub and a vibrant cultural destination.

(By: Richard Ren / LAPost)