On 27 April 2023, the inauguration ceremony of the 36th Council the Hong Kong Chinese Importers’ and Exporters’ Association (HKCIEA) was held at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. Pui Kwan-kay was appointed President and Wan Hang-ping Vice President and Honorary Secretary. John Lee Ka-chiu, Hong Kong Chief Executive, Yin Zonghua, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong, and Yang Yirui, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, officiated the event. More than 600 people gathered for the celebration, including various business figures in Hong Kong.

In his speech, Lee praised HKCIEA for promoting the continuous development of Hong Kong’s import-export sector and its significant contributions to Hong Kong’s prosperity and social stability. He encouraged the sector to “tell Hong Kong’s good stories” to their business partners and help promote Hong Kong’s countless advantages and attractive attributes.

Following the Chief Executive’s speech, President Pui delivered a speech, saying that the 36th council will continue to organise a variety of activities to demonstrate its determination to carry out its mission of “serving Hong Kong and serving the country”. The council will also help the sector bring into full play its strengths in the new era and make more brilliant achievements.

Pui pointed out that HKCIEA will contribute its efforts to help Hong Kong play the role of “superconnector” effectively, enjoy the backing of the motherland while staying connected with the world, and strengthen Hong Kong’s economic and trade ties with the mainland and overseas countries. In addition, HKCIEA will interact frequently with overseas chambers of commerce, help with business matching and assist members in getting a deeper understanding of the economic and trade conditions and business opportunities abroad, with a view to helping the sector broaden its scope of development.

When delivering his thank you speech, Vice President and Honorary Secretary Wan thanked all members of 36th council for their trust and support, which enabled the inauguration ceremony to be held with success, as well as all council directors and members for their active involvement and efforts put in the establishment of the preparatory committee. He also expressed gratitude to all Vice Honorary Secretaries and colleagues of the Secretariat for their hard work. The process of setting up the committee was sweet and full of harmony. Wan said he hopes to unite more members and friends, encourage them to support each other, and to give full support to the Chief Executive’s work so as to create a better future for Hong Kong in the era of transitioning to order and advancing to prosperity.

When toasting, Kennedy Wong Ying-ho, a legislator representing the import-export sector, said that HKCIEA has been acting in the spirit of patriotism and loving Hong Kong over the past 69 years, as it strives to strengthen economic and trade cooperation with the mainland and different parts of the world. The new council will promote HKCIEA’s business, get involved in social affairs, and make greater contributions to the development of Hong Kong and the mainland.

During the event, the officiating guests presented certificates of appointment to leading members of the council, including President Pui, Vice President and Honorary Secretary Wan, Vice Presidents Jimmy Wong Chi-ho, Tony Pang Chor-fu, Paul Leung Yuk-hung, David Ho Chi-ho, Eddy Li Sau-hung, Andrew Chan Shiu-shan, Kenneth Chan Kin-nin, Kwok Ying-lan and Pong Kin-yee, and Vice Honorary Secretaries Byron Wong Tsz-wan, Michael Li Chi-fung, Stanley Choi Tak-shing, Edmond Lee Man-bun and Sophia Lee Shui-woon.

On the day of the inauguration ceremony, Ta Kung Pao published an article illustrating the structure of the new council. On the following day, Sing Tao Daily and Headline Daily respectively ran an interview with President Pui, who said that HKCIEA will definitely be able to go onward and upward and as long as everyone within the association works in concert.