Hong Kong trade office in Malaysia to open by year-end

The initiative enhances Hong Kong’s outreach in Southeast Asia.

Hong Kong’s new Economic & Trade Office (ETO) in Malaysia will open before the end of 2025 in a bid to strengthen Hong Kong’s ASEAN economic ties ahead of APEC.

“In regards to the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, which we want to set up in Malaysia, I am glad to be informed that in my discussion with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, both of us are very keen and optimistic that the ETO will be in operation before the end of this year in Kuala Lumpur,” Chief Executive John Lee said, following his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. 

The planned office will expand Hong Kong’s regional footprint, adding to existing ETOs in Singapore, Bangkok and Jakarta. It also reflects the city’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with ASEAN economies ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting later this month.

Lee said Hong Kong continues to deepen regional ties, citing closer collaboration with Korea and ASEAN. Korea remains Hong Kong’s fifth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade up 20% year on year and tourist arrivals doubling to 850,000 in 2024.