The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrated its 60th anniversary on June 17, 2026, with the Next 60 Forum and a 60th Anniversary Cocktail Reception, drawing over 1,000 guests from political and business sectors. The events highlighted the council's evolution and its vision for Hong Kong's future amidst global changes.
HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma personally invited several former chairmen, including Dr Victor Fung, Peter Woo, Jack So, and Vincent Lo, to serve as forum guests, with Ma moderating the discussion. They reviewed HKTDC's development over six decades and explored future opportunities. Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Paul Lam, officiated at the reception, joined by leaders from various sectors.
Prof Ma emphasized the collective experience of the former chairmen, stating, 'This forum brings together an accumulated 480 years of experience and wisdom. We will build on the past and pave the way for the future, charting a new development outlook for Hong Kong.' He noted that under 'One Country, Two Systems', Hong Kong is guided by national development and globally responsive, providing a strong foundation for progress. The HKTDC will continue to assist enterprises going global, deepen international exchange, strengthen industry connections, and facilitate substantive cooperation.
The Next 60 Forum centered on the theme 'Retrospect and Prospect', beginning with a pre-recorded address by former Chairman Baroness Dunn. Participants reviewed Hong Kong's economic transformation from a manufacturing base into an international financial and trading hub, and discussed how Hong Kong can continue as a superconnector and super value-adder in the evolving global landscape.
The cocktail reception in the evening was attended by Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR Li Yongsheng, Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Xu Weigang, President of the Legislative Council Starry Lee, and HKSAR officials including Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law, and Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Joseph Chan. Former HKTDC chairmen Victor Fung, Peter Woo, Jack So, and Vincent Lo, former Executive Directors Fred Lam and Margaret Fong, current Executive Director Sophia Chong, and current and former Council Members also attended.
Prof Ma remarked, 'Right before this reception, I had a lively dialogue with the HKTDC’s former Chairmen who shared their vision for the Council and Hong Kong in the coming decades. The future looks bright. In spite of global challenges, I firmly believe that Hong Kong remains a beacon of hope.' He added that the HKTDC has evolved alongside Hong Kong, mirroring the city's progress and remaining resilient.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said, 'For 60 years, the Government’s policy priorities coupled with the TDC’s global network and on-the-ground expertise have advanced Hong Kong’s trade and economic development. In Chinese culture, 60 years represents the completion of a full cycle – it does not mark an end, but a beginning of a new cycle.'
Looking ahead, the HKTDC will seize opportunities from the country's 15th Five-Year Plan, support government initiatives, and assist mainland enterprises in expanding overseas. It will provide tailored support to five major industry clusters: Finance and Professional Services; Global Network and Supply Chain; Technology and Digital Innovation; Wellness and Creative Industries; and Consumer Goods and Lifestyle. More information is available on the HKTDC’s 60th Anniversary Exhibition Zone (https://bit.ly/4ovwn9G) and celebration activities page (https://60.hktdc.com/en).