Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (SFETO), Ms Jacko Tsang, made an official visit to Anchorage on June 13-16 to foster ties between Hong Kong and Alaska, and to celebrate with the local community there the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Marking the beginning of a series of celebration activities in the western part of the United States, SFETO and World Trade Center Anchorage co-hosted a reception in Anchorage, Alaska, on June 15.

In welcoming guests at the reception, the Ms Tsang outlined in her keynote speech Hong Kong’s opportunities for the business community in Alaska, thanks to the city’s commitment to business openness, its substantial investment in innovation and technology and its central role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. She encouraged businesses in Alaska to explore and further their trade relations with Hong Kong.

World Trade Center Anchorage also organized a business luncheon on June 15 where Ms Tsang gave a presentation on Hong Kong’s economic outlook. Apart from providing the audience in Alaska with an update about Hong Kong’s economy and an overview on the city’s logistics industries, she pointed out Hong Kong’s edges on various fronts, from a trilingual workforce and simple tax regime to an international and business friendly environment.

During her visit in Alaska, Ms Tsang called on Mr Kevin Meyer, Lieutenant Governor of Alaska and Mr Dave Bronson, Mayor of Anchorage.

At the meeting with Lieutenant Governor Meyer, the two offices had a fruitful discussion on how Alaska and Hong Kong could foster closer ties in various areas, especially in tourism and seafood export. Ms Tsang pointed out that Hong Kong was best placed for Alaskan exporters to showcase their quality seafood products, noting that Hong Kong was a good market for premium food products from all over the world. She also highlighted the many advantages Hong Kong possessed under “One Country, Two Systems” which would help companies in Alaska expand to mainland China and the rest of Asia.

At the meeting with Mayor Bronson, Ms Tsang shared with the mayor and his team Hong Kong’s latest business environment, including last year’s positive economic performance, the upcoming economic outlook, the robust financial services sector and the carbon neutrality plan.  The two sides recognized the strong Hong Kong-Anchorage ties especially in the area of air cargo trade and discussed how the two cities could further strengthen exchange and collaboration. 

With both Hong Kong and Anchorage being leading international aviation hubs, Ms Tsang exchanged views with Mr Bill Popp, President and CEO, and Ms Jenna Wright, Vice President, of Anchorage Economic Development Corporation on the latest development of the logistics industries in the two cities as well as the challenges and opportunities arising from the current global supply chain disruption. She also visited the Alaska Airlines where she had a meeting with External Affairs Manager, Mr Tim Thompson, introducing the Hong Kong International Airport’s plans to increase its cargo handling capacity. Notably, upon the full commissioning of the Three Runway System, Hong Kong’s air cargo handling capacity is expected to increase to 10 million tonnes in 2035.

Last but not least, Ms Tsang also met with President and CEO of Alaska Chamber, Ms Kati Capozzi. They shared the work of their respective offices and discussed how business ties between Alaska and Hong Kong could be enhanced. She explained how Alaskan businesses, especially small businesses, could benefit from resources available in Hong Kong and how they could leverage on Hong Kong’s position as the gateway for US businesses to explore the markets in Mainland China and beyond.