FinEX Asia, one of a select few Fintech companies was invited to join a delegation led by the HKSAR Financial Secretary, Mr. Paul Chan, to explore closer collaboration between Hong Kong and Israel. The key focus of the visit to Israel was on innovation and technology with specific interest in Fintech and Biotechnology. (Photo: DLD Tel Aviv Innovation Festival with Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Deputy Executive Director Raymond Yip and Regional Director Europe William Chui)
Robert Cheung, COO of FinEX Asia joined the delegation on a four-day business mission from 3 to 7 September 2018. The delegation was comprised of more than 30 business leaders representing companies in the fields of financial services, venture capital, biotechnology, smart city development and Fintech. Also joining the delegation was the HKSAR Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr. James Lau, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and InvestHK.
Israel is recognized by many to be at the forefront of science and technology, and therefore collaboration with Hong Kong as an international financial, commercial and trade centre provides a solid foundation for mutual opportunities between the two countries.
To kick off the delegation, the HKSAR government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council co-organised a luncheon where Mr. Paul Chan said “Hong Kong is actively embracing innovation and technology as the new impetus for economic growth. I see much potential for Israeli tech entrepreneurs and talent to partner with Hong Kong in developing high-tech solutions. We also welcome Israeli innovative companies to make use of our world-class financial platform to raise funds. “
The delegation made over 15 visits across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem covering innovation centres, universities, companies, investment platforms and the DLD Tel Aviv Innovation Festival where Mr. Paul Chan delivered a unique perspective on how One Belt, One Road will provide a segue to global innovation.
At the end of the four-day delegation, the H.K delegation was left impressed by the speed of development in both innovation and technology in Israel. Israel is a relatively small country with approximately 8.5 million people and is home to the largest number of start-ups per capital globally. The country has a culture for innovation fostered early within the education system. One observation is clear, there can be many opportunities for both H.K and Israel to advance innovation and technology through collaboration on a global scale.
Dinner hosted by the HKSAR Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan
DLD Tel Aviv Innovation Festival, Fireside chat with HKSAR Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan
The Floor, Innovation Centre at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
Old City of Jerusalem
