HONG KONG — The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is celebrating its 60th anniversary with two public displays that not only commemorate its history but also signal its strategic response to a shifting global economy. An anniversary exhibition at Times Square in Causeway Bay and a community artwork at a Wan Chai tram stop together illustrate how the statutory body plans to remain relevant as a bridge between Hong Kong and the world. The significance lies in the HKTDC's explicit pivot toward high-growth markets and its renewed emphasis on innovation and partnerships, which could shape Hong Kong's trade landscape for years to come.
The HKTDC's anniversary exhibition, running until October 14 at the Ground Floor Covered Piazza at Times Square, reviews six decades of helping enterprises expand globally. More importantly, it outlines future strategies: upgrading operations, optimising services, and strengthening presence in Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Global South. This geographic diversification is a direct response to evolving economic and trade developments, including shifting supply chains and rising demand from emerging economies. The exhibition's layout reflects the HKTDC's four major roles—Supertrader, Superconnector, Super Value-adder, and Superpartner—positioning the council as more than a trade promoter, but as an integrated partner for businesses navigating complex markets.
A large screen at the exhibition highlights anniversary events such as the Design Gallery on the Move mobile display, the Next 60 Forum, and a 60th Anniversary-themed Tram. A dedicated zone features historical photos and video footage, grounding the forward-looking vision in tangible achievements. For the business community, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this signals continuity and adaptation. The HKTDC's global network includes over 50 offices worldwide, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland. Through international exhibitions and conferences, the HKTDC creates opportunities for SMEs in mainland and international markets. It also provides market insights via research reports and digital news channels.
Complementing the exhibition is a community art initiative. The HKTDC organised the Wan Chai Community Art Creation Workshop, where local artist Jane Lee (Messy Desk) worked with students to create a large-scale artwork themed "Hong Kong Trade · Connecting the World." HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma and Executive Director Sophia Chong joined the students in painting scenes of Hong Kong's economic and urban landscape. The resulting illustrated panel installation is on display at the O'Brien Road (Eastbound) Tram Stop in Wan Chai until October 29. This project underscores the HKTDC's commitment to connecting commerce with community, a soft-power approach that could enhance public engagement and reinforce Hong Kong's identity as a trade hub.
The anniversary exhibition runs until October 14, daily from 10am to 10pm. Visitors who check in and complete designated tasks will receive a limited 60th-anniversary souvenir on a first-come, first-served basis. For those interested in the HKTDC's broader anniversary programming, details are available at https://60.hktdc.com/en, and media resources can be found at https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en. The dual displays are free and open to the public, offering a timely opportunity to reflect on how Hong Kong's trade promotion body intends to navigate the next 60 years.
