AEM’s CHAIR OPENING REMARKS : 9TH AEM-HKC CONSULTATION
26 SEPTEMBER 2025 (FRIDAY)
1605 – 1715
BALLROOM, LEVEL 3
MITEC
Excellency Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of my ASEAN colleagues, I am pleased to warmly welcome Secretary Algernon Yau and the delegation of Hong Kong, China, to Kuala Lumpur for the 9th AEM–HKC Consultation. It is an honour for Malaysia to host this meeting, and I look forward to our continued partnership and constructive dialogue today.
Since the signing of the ASEAN–Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA) and the ASEAN–Hong Kong, China Investment Agreement (AHKIA), our economic ties have grown steadily, driven by our shared commitment to open, inclusive, and rules-based trade. Hong Kong, China remains an important partner for ASEAN, not only as a gateway to global markets, but also as a source of investment and expertise in finance, logistics, and services.
Hong Kong, China (HKC) continues to be one of ASEAN’s important economic partners. In 2024, total two-way trade between ASEAN and HKC reached USD 132.53 billion, ranking ASEAN’s seventh largest trading partners. ASEAN’s exports to HKC were valued at USD 112.06 billion, while imports stood at USD 20.47 billion. This reflects HKC’s role as a vital gateway for ASEAN products into the global market, particularly in high-value and re-export sectors.
On investment, foreign direct investment (FDI) flows from HKC to ASEAN recorded USD 14.30 billion in 2024, placing HKC as the 6th largest FDI source. These inflows reaffirm HKC’s position as a reliable and innovation-driven investor, with strong contributions in financial services, logistics, advanced manufacturing, and technology-driven industries.
Today’s agenda provides us the opportunity to review the implementation of the AHKFTA and AHKIA, including the progress of the First Protocols to Amend both agreements. We will also take stock of cooperation under the ECOTECH Work Programme and consider Hong Kong, China’s proposal to advance trade facilitation through Trade Single Window Connectivity. These efforts are essential to ensuring that our agreements remain relevant, business-friendly, and forward-looking.
Beyond these specific areas, we will also exchange views on regional and global economic developments and discuss the future direction of ASEAN–HKC cooperation. Given the dynamic shifts in global trade, supply chain resilience, and the accelerating pace of digital transformation, it is important that our partnership continues to evolve to deliver tangible benefits for businesses and communities across our region.
I am confident that our discussions today will further strengthen the foundations of ASEAN–HKC economic cooperation and chart a clear path for deeper integration and collaboration. Let us continue to build on our shared commitment to openness, resilience, and sustainable growth.
With that, I once again extend a warm welcome to Secretary Yau and your delegation, and I look forward to a productive consultation.
Secretary Yau, I am pleased to invite you to deliver your opening remarks before we proceed to the next agenda. The floor is yours.
Thank you
--BERNAMA