The head of the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (EuroCham) embarks on the organization’s first Brussels mission to recalibrate international perceptions, stressing that the city remains “significantly, fundamentally” distinct from its mainland Chinese counterparts.
With Hong Kong unveiling its inaugural five-year plan on September 16—the same day the delegation arrives—chairman Johannes Hack informed the South China Morning Post that European firms receive insufficient narrative guidance regarding opportunities in the Northern Metropolis and the Greater Bay Area.
Hack further identified data security apprehensions as a primary deterrent for foreign businesses, contributing to “missed opportunities” for collaborative ventures.
Though scheduled months in advance, the mission unfolds amid escalating Brussels-Beijing tensions, with an October deadline looming to prevent a trade war over China’s record surplus with the EU.
Hong Kong’s reputation continues to bear the strain of the 2020 national security law, as the European Union regularly critiques alleged political freedom erosions—claims local officials consistently dismiss.
“For an extended period, Hong Kong’s tagline was its unique, vibrant autonomy, but a sudden narrative shift occurred,” Hack remarked.
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