FHKI Signed Pivotal MoUs with AMATA and Kazakh Invest

Celebrating 10 Years of the Belt and Road

 

The Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) is pleased to announce the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with AMATA Corporation PCL (AMATA) of Thailand and NC Kazakh Invest JSC (Kazakh Invest) of Kazakhstan respectively.  This event marks a significant milestone, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an initiative that FHKI has tirelessly supported and promoted over the years.

 The signing ceremonies took place today (13 Sept) at the Belt and Road Summit organised by the HKSAR Government. FHKI Executive Deputy Chairman Ricky Chan, along with AMATA Chief Business Officer Lena Ng and Kazakh Invest Deputy Chairman Zhandos Temirgali, signed the agreements, laying the groundwork for enhanced collaboration and strengthened business relations between Hong Kong, Thailand, and Kazakhstan.

 These MoUs serve as a platform for cooperation aimed at fostering industrial development and strengthening mutual understanding and alliances among the business communities in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Kazakhstan.  The partnerships promise collective prosperity through extensive exchange and cooperation in various fields, including, economics, trade, human resource management, and sustainable growth.

Ricky Chan, FHKI Executive Deputy Chairman, highlighted the unique position of Hong Kong having its strong ties with Mainland China and the global community.  He emphasised the importance of the recently signed MoUs with AMATA and Kazakh Invest, asserting their role in helping Hong Kong businesses penetrate markets along the Belt and Road, such as ASEAN and Central Asia.  Despite the intricate dynamics in global politics and economics since the BRI's proposal in 2013, Chan remains confident about Hong Kong's strategic position.  He stated, “Our strong support from the Motherland and close global connections are not exclusive to the financial sector, nor do they only imply ties with traditional markets like Europe and the US.  FHKI has been proactive in assisting Hong Kong businesses in exploring markets along the Belt and Road.  We must narrate Hong Kong's success stories to these regions, and I'm confident that these MoUs will further drive our enterprises into these markets, unlocking unlimited business opportunities.”

 Ricky Chan emphasised the significance of Thailand and Kazakhstan in Hong Kong's trade relations.  He noted Thailand's economic prowess as the second-largest economy in ASEAN, with its industrial sector contributing 33.1% to the nation's GDP. Citing initiatives like Thailand 4.0 and the Eastern Economic Corridor, Chan drew attention to Thailand's immense potential for future development.  Additionally, he acknowledged Kazakhstan's importance as Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner and the largest import market in Central Asia – a status enriched by its abundant natural resources.  He suggested that the timing of the MoUs' signing with these two nations is exceptionally fitting given the current economic landscape.

Throughout the past decade, FHKI has been continuously promoting actively the BRI by leveraging significant opportunities it offers.  From supporting BRI since its inception in 2013 to joining Chief Executive John Lee’s high-level delegations three times in 2022 and 2023, FHKI has fostered private sector partnerships across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.  Notably, FHKI has spearheaded independent multi-country delegations, including a successful mission to Vietnam this year, signing strategic MoUs to amplify collaboration. FHKI International Affairs Committee has been instrumental in bridging connections between Hong Kong businesses and their BRI counterparts, advocating at investment forums, and maintaining regular engagements with Consulates-General to maximize networking opportunities with countries along the Belt and Road.  By employing a diverse array of initiatives, FHKI showcases its strong commitment to leveraging private sector expertise, thereby bolstering Hong Kong's critical role as a “super connector”.

 

About FHKI Established in 1960, FHKI represents and serves the interests of Hong Kong’s industrial and business communities. FHKI actively consolidates the industry’s views on issues of concern to HKSAR Government and puts forward proposals that facilitate the industry’s long-term development. FHKI is also dedicated to strengthening communication between Hong Kong industries and foreign counterparts and forging the connection between global business communities.

About AMATA Corporation PCL AMATA, a fast-growing Thai company that has built a network of strategically located, sustainably powered industrial parks in Thailand and Vietnam, has become the entry point of choice for foreign multinationals seeking to expand production into Southeast Asia. Entrepreneur Vikrom Kromadit’s eco-industrial parks now host businesses from 28 countries that employ over 350,000 people in more than 1,400 factories and commercial outlets. Starting in 1989 with only six hectares of industrial land, Amata’s developments now cover more than 100 square kilometers. AMATA is developing two "Smart and Eco Cities" in Laos, strategically positioned along the upcoming high-speed rail route.

About NC Kazakh Invest JSC Established in 2017, the National Company KAZAKH INVEST has been a pivotal force in the economic growth of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This transformation was marked by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan's Resolution No. 100, which led to the renaming of the National Export and Investment Agency KAZNEX INVEST Joint-Stock Company. KAZAKH INVEST's primary objective is to stimulate sustainable socio-economic development by attracting foreign investment into high-priority sectors. In addition to this, they offer comprehensive support for investment projects, playing an instrumental role in bolstering the nation's economy.

 

Picture 1: The MoU signing ceremony between FHKI and AMATA

 

Picture 2: The MoU signing ceremony between FHKI and NC Kazakh Invest JSC

 

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