Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (SFETO), Ms Jacko Tsang visited Seattle and Bellevue on April 26-27 to foster stronger ties between Hong Kong and the State of Washington.

During the official visit, Ms Tsang visited the Office of Economic Development & Competitiveness (OEDC), Washington State Department of Commerce where she met with Ms Isabelle De Wulf, Managing Director, Small Business Export Assistance and Ms Radi Simeonova, Managing Director, Business Development. They discussed the respective strengths of Hong Kong and Washington State, and explored how they could work together to strengthen ties between the two places, especially in areas of common interests, including I&T and wine trading.  Ms Tsang also shared information on trade fairs in Hong Kong which Washington companies might be interested in attending.

Ms Tsang called on Dr. Lynne Robinson, Mayor of the City of Bellevue and Ms Janice Zahn, Councilmember of the City of Bellevue.  Ms Tsang gave an overview on Hong Kong’s unique advantages and vast business opportunities, and the government’s role as a promoter and facilitator for businesses.  She highlighted that Hong Kong was the best gateway for companies interested in the Mainland Chinese market, owing to a highly educated workforce, strong professional services, business-friendly policies, abundance of investments and much more.

Ms Tsang also called on Ms Kendee Yamaguchi, Deputy Mayor of External Affairs, and Ms Stacey Jehlik, International Affairs Director, Office of Intergovernmental Relations of the City of Seattle.  At the meeting, Ms Tsang introduced the latest development of Hong Kong on various fronts, including policies on I&T and fintech development, Hong Kong’s economic performance in the midst of the pandemic, and easing of COVID-19 restrictions.    

At the visit to King County, Ms Tsang met with Mr Dow Constantine, King County Executive, Ms Shannon Braddock, Chief of Staff, and Mr James Bush, Communications Specialist.  Ms Braddock introduced the County’s priorities especially in post-pandemic economic revival and promotion of the creative industries.  Ms Tsang introduced the government’s various initiatives to diversity Hong Kong’s economy, including the promotion of I&T and the creative industries.  She also introduced the vibrant art scene and fun lifestyle in Hong Kong. 

Ms Tsang met with Mr Josh Davis, Vice President of Global Trade & Investment, Greater Seattle Partners.  At the meeting, they discussed the latest economic development in Hong Kong and the Greater Seattle region, and how the two offices could strengthen collaboration on various aspects.  Ms Tsang highlighted Hong Kong’s commitment to remain business friendly.  With a simple tax regime, free flow of capital, common law legal system, robust intellectual property protection and more, Hong Kong had a lot to offer for companies eyeing the Mainland Chinese and Asian markets. 

In her visit to the Port of Seattle, Ms Tsang met with Mr Steven Metruck, Executive Director and Ms Karin Zaugg Black, International Business Protocol Liaison - External Relations.  They had a fruitful exchange on the challenges and opportunities facing the port and cruise services in Seattle and Hong Kong respectively.  Ms Tsang introduced Hong Kong’s position as a premier aviation, logistic and maritime hub in Asia.  She also mentioned the construction of the Three-Runway System, which would increase the Hong Kong airport’s cargo and passenger handling capacities.

Ms Tsang hosted a dinner gathering for the Board of Directors of the Greater China Hong Kong Business Association of Washington (HKBAW), expressing appreciation for the association’s staunch support.  Over dinner, Ms Tsang shared the latest development of Hong Kong and the SFETO’s upcoming plans to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR.