Group 1 - The 2025 World Cantonese Business Conference was held in Guangzhou, aiming to unite global Cantonese business leaders and encourage their participation in national strategies and global cooperation [1] - Zhou Zerong, founder and chairman of Qiaoxin Group, emphasized the importance of the conference in mobilizing the Cantonese business community [1] - Zhou highlighted the ongoing development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which is becoming a highly attractive investment destination with enhanced global resource allocation and innovation capabilities [3] Group 2 - Qiaoxin Group has been deeply involved in various sectors including real estate, finance, health, and high-end services, establishing several landmark buildings in Guangzhou [3] - The company is currently focused on creating an internationally influential food circulation supply center and trading market, leveraging its global resources through the Cantonese business network [3] - Zhou Zerong, aged 76, is an Australian citizen who returned to Guangzhou in the late 1980s to invest in real estate, and as of March 2025, he is ranked 1506 on the Hurun Global Rich List with a wealth of 18.5 billion [3]

Economic Growth - Hong Kong's GDP grew by 3.1% year-on-year in Q2, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of growth [1] - The economy has shown resilience despite complex external environments, with a growth of 2.5% in 2024 and 3.1% in Q1 of this year [1] Stock Market and IPOs - The total market capitalization of Hong Kong stocks reached HKD 42.7 trillion, a 33% year-on-year increase [1] - Hong Kong ranked first globally with 52 IPOs raising HKD 124 billion, a 590% increase year-on-year [1] Trade and Exports - Overall merchandise exports from Hong Kong increased by 12.5% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, indicating a strong recovery in external demand [2] - The growth in exports reflects Hong Kong's deepening ties with both the mainland and international markets, reinforcing its status as a global trade hub [2] Investment Landscape - The number of companies with Hong Kong parent companies reached 9,960, a 10% year-on-year increase [2] - As of the end of last year, the total value of asset and wealth management in Hong Kong was approximately HKD 35.1 trillion [2] - The number of registered funds reached 976, with a net inflow of over USD 44 billion, representing a 285% increase year-on-year [2] Consumer Market - Retail sales in Hong Kong recorded year-on-year growth for the first time in 14 months as of May, indicating a preliminary recovery in the consumer market [2] Future Outlook - Confidence in Hong Kong's economy remains strong, with stable growth fostering international trust [3] - Continuous GDP growth is expected to create more job opportunities, increase citizen income, and stimulate local consumption, leading to a positive cycle [3] - The government emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open and stable market environment to enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness on the international stage [3]