A diplomat remarked earlier this week that the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen will generate new prospects for regional economic cooperation, with contributions expected from both the Republic of Korea and China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
“I hope that the upcoming APEC (meeting) in Shenzhen will provide fresh momentum for regional cooperation, instilling greater confidence in businesses seeking to diversify their investments and build solid partnerships,” Seo Man-kyo, consul general of the ROK in Hong Kong, told China Daily Global.
Set for Nov 18 and 19, the high-level summit is being held in Shenzhen—a city located in South China’s Guangdong province that shares a border with the HKSAR. Organizers selected the theme “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together” for the summit, marking the third time China hosts the premier APEC event.
Both economies hold membership in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Seo said that the two regions can drive meaningful progress by championing an open, predictable trade environment and expanding access to digital transformation backed by stable legal frameworks.
Beyond traditional logistics and merchandise trade, cooperation must extend into digital channels, according to the ROK envoy. This includes e-commerce, digital trade, and financial technology partnerships.
“I would particularly like to emphasize the role of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and the youth demographic,” Seo told China Daily Global, pointing out the necessity of empowering smaller firms to capture regional integration benefits.
Seo brings over three decades of experience in Beijing’s economic sector to his diplomatic post in Hong Kong, having previously served as vice-chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce in China and a research fellow at Peking University’s Center for Korean Peninsula Studies. Before taking office in early October, he visited Hong Kong more than 60 times.
Official trade figures show the deep economic ties linking the two jurisdictions. Data from Hong Kong’s Trade and Industry Department indicates that the ROK and the HKSAR mutually positioned themselves as each other’s 7th largest trading partner back in 2025.
Merchandise trade between the ROK and the Chinese mainland via the SAR amounted to HK$381.7 billion, equivalent to $48.65 billion, during the same year.
| Economic Indicator | Data Metric |
|---|---|
| Bilateral Trade Standing (2025) | 7th largest trading partner for both economies |
| Re-export Trade Volume (2025) | HK$381.7 billion ($48.65 billion) |
| APEC Summit Dates | Nov 18-19 |
| Summit Location | Shenzhen, Guangdong Province |
Describing Hong Kong as a vital “superconnector,” Seo said that the city bridges the ROK, the Chinese mainland, and global markets through professional services, capital networks, and legal expertise.
Diplomatic initiatives are increasingly supported by public-sector engagement and cultural familiarity. The Korean Cultural Center in Hong Kong and the consulate are currently running the 16th edition of Festive Korea, an annual event designed to foster bilateral ties.
“Many (South) Koreans, including myself, have come to better understand and cherish Hong Kong through its iconic films and music,” Seo told China Daily Global. “Similarly, Hong Kong residents engaging with (South) Korean culture will gain a deeper understanding of (South) Korea and its people.”
Looking toward future diplomatic objectives, Seo aims to broaden cooperation beyond economics into education and legal services while strengthening engagement with local media outlets.
