Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto)

The Acting Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (HKETO), Mr Gavin Yeung, joined the women entrepreneurs networking seminar titled “Scaling Ventures Globally”, a hybrid meeting hosted by the Women’s International Network (WIN) of the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) (Toronto Section) in collaboration with the Women’s Network of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong on June 5. The event aimed to explore strategies for scaling ventures and highlight the abundant business opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (the GBA).

In delivering the welcome remarks, Mr Yeung said that Hong Kong, ranking the third in the 2025 Global Financial Centres Index, offers Canadian businesses a reliable and accessible platform for expansion into Asia.

Noting the significant role of women in businesses in Hong Kong, Mr Yeung shared that 20% of listed companies in Hong Kong has boards with at least 30% female directors. The forthcoming enhancements to the listing rules are expected to accelerate this positive trend. Mr Yeung also pointed out that the growing number of women entrepreneurs in Hong Kong is supported by dedicated funds, mentoring networks and public incubators within the city’s innovation ecosystem. “They draw strength from a community of around 4 700 start-ups and global accelerators in 2024,” Mr Yeung added.

Mr Yeung encouraged Canadian companies, whether looking to raise capital, test a product in Asia or seek partners, to consider Hong Kong as a gateway to the GBA.

Also speaking at the event were Founder and Managing Partner of Vine Ventures Corporation in Hong Kong, Ms Evelyn Lee, and Regional Director of the Forest Stewardship Council North America, Ms Sarah Kutulakos. They shared valuable insights on taking ventures global and building connections across markets.