The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Singapore-based bank UOB Hong Kong have announced a partnership to enhance connectivity, promote trade and foster the integrated development of markets across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and ASEAN.
The framework for cooperation, aimed at strengthening regional ties and promoting sustainable growth, is set out in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which positions UOB Hong Kong as the first Singapore-based bank to formalise a partnership with the HKTDC.
HKTDC Director, Singapore Vivienne Chee and UOB Hong Kong CEO Adaline Zheng made the announcement at the ASEAN Conference 2025 in Singapore on 3 July.
Witnessing the announcement were the Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, Singapore Business Federation Chairman Teo Siong Seng, UOB Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Wee Ee Cheong and HKTDC Regional Director (Designate), South East Asia and South Asia Kwan Ho Leung.
The initiative also aims to generate job opportunities and strengthen communities across both regions by assisting enterprise development and enhancing regional collaboration. Companies can leverage UOB’s extensive regional network and financial expertise, alongside HKTDC’s strengths in trade promotion, to access new markets, resources and professional knowledge.
“By leveraging our respective strengths, we will enable businesses to seize arising opportunities and navigate the evolving global landscape with confidence,” commented Ms Chee.
Ms Zheng added that the partnership “aims to unlock new opportunities for businesses and deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that fuel trade and development.”
The partnership is dedicated to initiatives that encourage international collaboration, ease trade movement, and promote cultural and business exchange through joint programmes and knowledge-sharing platforms.
This will be achieved through matching investment with local value chains, enhancing investment assistance and building the capacity of businesses to compete and thrive in the regional market.