The year 2024 was marked by global economic challenges and uncertainty. Hong Kong’s business environment remained subdued for much of the year, showing signs of improvement in the fourth quarter before turning cautious again due to rising external uncertainties. The international political landscape also grew more tense following the inauguration of the new U.S. president, with increased trade protectionism further affecting global trade and investment trends.
With strong support from the Motherland, Hong Kong holds a strategic position in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, providing a solid foundation for long-term economic growth. Amid complex global political and economic shifts, coupled with the pressures of internal economic restructuring, Hong Kong must establish a clearer identity, highlight its unique characteristics, and attract investors and talent to take root here—fully leveraging its role as a global hub.
To build a healthy business ecosystem, three key factors—capital flow, advanced information networks, and a robust talent pool—are indispensable. Various sectors of society play distinct roles in this development. As an employer organisation, the Federation remains committed to promoting business growth, fostering harmonious employment relationships, and advocating for good employment practices. This contributes to Hong Kong’s sustainable growth while supporting government initiatives to revitalise the economy, diversify industries, and attract talent. To this end, the Federation maintains regular communication with various government departments, offering constructive suggestions and submitting detailed position papers to facilitate balanced discussions.
At the same time, the Federation continues to provide comprehensive support to its members, helping them enhance their competitiveness and seize new opportunities for sustainable growth in the global market. This year, in collaboration with Ernst & Young, we organised workshops on sustainability, providing members with valuable insights into environmental protection, social responsibility, and good governance. Actively promoting sustainable development, we firmly believe that Hong Kong businesses must embrace this foundation to keep pace with global trends and achieve long-term success. In alignment with these efforts, the Federation will soon launch an updated version of the Guide to Good Employment Practices to keep employers informed of global trends and further optimise corporate management strategies.
As an organisation rooted in Hong Kong, the Federation is steadfast in its commitment to nurturing local talent. Beyond our ongoing participation in the Business-School Partnership Programme , we have organised career and industry-sharing sessions to help individuals re-enter the workforce, facilitating their swift reintegration into society. Additionally, we invite student groups to participate in our annual Happy@Work event, increasing their exposure to the business community. In the near future, we will collaborate with tertiary institutions to better equip college students for their transition into the workforce.
For many years, the Federation has remained dedicated to safeguarding employers’ rights and making a meaningful impact on society. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our members, whose participation and feedback are invaluable in shaping the Federation’s direction and strategies. Moving forward, we will continue to listen attentively to our members, striving to enhance the services and value we provide.
Lastly, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our Chairman, Mr. Wilson Kwong; our Vice-Chairmen, Ms. Susanna Hui and Mr. Patrick Tsang; as well as the members of the Council, General Committee, and all working committees, for their collective efforts and contributions over the past year. I look forward to continued collaboration between the Federation and its members in the coming year, working together to achieve even greater success.
Louis Pong
CEO
May 2025