The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is commemorating its 60th anniversary with two public displays that not only celebrate its history but also signal a strategic pivot toward new economic frontiers. The HKTDC 60th Anniversary Exhibition is now open at the Ground Floor Covered Piazza at Times Square in Causeway Bay, while a 60th Anniversary Artwork is on display at the eastbound tram stop on O'Brien Road in Wan Chai. These installations serve as both a retrospective and a forward-looking statement, underscoring the HKTDC's renewed vision as a bridge between Hong Kong and the world.
The Anniversary Exhibition highlights the HKTDC's major achievements over the past six decades in helping enterprises expand into global markets. More importantly, it outlines future development strategies that include upgrading operations and services, and strengthening presence in high-growth markets such as Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Global South. This strategic shift is significant as it reflects the changing dynamics of global trade and Hong Kong's need to diversify beyond traditional markets. A large screen at the exhibition shows highlights from anniversary events, including the Design Gallery on the Move mobile display, the Next 60 Forum, the 60th Anniversary Cocktail Reception, and a 60th Anniversary-themed Tram. A dedicated zone features historical photos and video footage, while the exhibition layout reflects the HKTDC's four major roles: Supertrader, Superconnector, Super Value-adder, and Superpartner.
The community art component adds a local touch to the celebration. The HKTDC recently organised the Wan Chai Community Art Creation Workshop, where local artist Jane Lee (also known as Messy Desk) exchanged creative ideas with students and drew inspiration for a large-scale artwork commemorating the HKTDC's 60th anniversary. The students were joined by HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma and Executive Director Sophia Chong in painting scenes of Hong Kong's economic and urban landscape. The resulting works have been brought together in an illustrated panel installation themed "Hong Kong Trade · Connecting the World," which is on show at the O'Brien Road Tram Stop. This initiative not only engages the community but also reinforces the HKTDC's role as a connector between commerce and culture.
The implications of these celebrations extend beyond nostalgia. As Hong Kong navigates a complex global trade environment, the HKTDC's emphasis on new markets and upgraded services could provide a vital lifeline for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking growth opportunities. The HKTDC's global network of over 50 offices worldwide positions it to facilitate this expansion. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions and conferences and business missions to create opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs, in the mainland and international markets. It also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels.
The Anniversary Exhibition runs until 14 October, daily from 10am to 10pm. During the exhibition period, visitors who check in at the venue and complete designated tasks will receive a 60th-anniversary souvenir. Souvenirs are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Anniversary Artwork is on display at the O'Brien Road (Eastbound) Tram Stop in Wan Chai until 29 October. All are welcome to visit. For more information on the HKTDC's 60th anniversary celebration activities, visit https://60.hktdc.com/en. Members of the media can find additional resources at the HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en. Photos from the event are available for download at https://bit.ly/4hsFfuX.
