Clarence Ling: Hong Kong's Role as a "Connector to the World" Helps Present a Real, Multi-Dimensional and Comprehensive China

HONG KONG, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2026 China-US Young Entrepreneurs "Beijing • Hong Kong Tour" exchange delegation, organised by the Chinese Young Entrepreneurs Association (the "Association"), visited Hong Kong from 4 to 8 November for a five-day exchange programme. The delegation was led by Mr Clarence Ling Chun-kit, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Founding Chairman of the Association and Chairman of Xilan Group. More than 10 young American entrepreneurs visited technology enterprises, the Legislative Council and cultural venues in Hong Kong. They were also invited to attend the Youth Development Summit • Hong Kong, hosted by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) of the HKSAR Government, where they gained first-hand insight into Hong Kong's business environment and development opportunities.

Putting a Youth Exchange Initiative into Practice and Showcasing Hong Kong's Unique Strengths

The visit supports President Xi Jinping's initiative to invite 100,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programmes over the next five years. Through on-site visits, the young American entrepreneurs learned about Hong Kong's strengths in innovation and technology, culture and the business environment, and explored the possibility of developing their businesses in the city. The delegates come from a range of sectors and are all founders of their own companies. Some already work with Mainland enterprises, while others are looking to expand into Asian markets and cross-border supply chains.

Five Days Spanning Technology, Culture and a Youth Development Summit

Over five days, the delegates visited Hong Kong's technology enterprises, government institutions and cultural landmarks, including SenseTime, the Legislative Council and the West Kowloon Cultural District. They also joined a Youth Exchange Dinner aboard the "Oriental Pearl" harbour cruise, taking in the night view of Victoria Harbour. The highlight of the tour was the Youth Development Summit • Hong Kong on 7 November, where the delegates attended the opening session, keynote speeches and thematic sessions. They then went up to The Peak, and the programme concluded with a morning tea gathering.

A Summit Bringing Together Youth from Around the World, with American Entrepreneurs in the Conversation

Held under the theme "Pioneering New Horizons, Venturing into the Future", the Summit was the first large-scale international youth event hosted by the HKSAR Government since the release of Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan. It brought together officials responsible for youth policy and leaders from various sectors around the world. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered the opening address, and the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, officiated at the opening ceremony.

In the thematic sessions, "Synergising Culture & Tourism • Celebrating Traditions & Creativity", "Fostering Diversified Development • Embracing the World" and "Advancing Connectivity • Integrating into Greater Development", the American entrepreneurs exchanged views with young talent from across the globe. Topics included the new opportunities offered by artificial intelligence, start-up investment, and the integration of culture, sports and tourism.

Mr Ling said: "Hong Kong is a bridge between the Chinese Mainland and the world. We have brought these young American entrepreneurs here to take part in this international platform because we want to draw on Hong Kong's strength as a 'connector to the world'. After the industry visits in Beijing, we hope to take the 'point-to-point' corporate visits further, building consensus among young people worldwide and letting the world see an authentic, multi-dimensional and comprehensive China."

During the visit, the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, joined eight members of the delegation at a traditional teahouse for "a cup of tea and a bun". There they experienced Hong Kong's "one cup, two pieces" yum cha culture and exchanged views over the meal. The delegates said they were delighted to take part in the Summit in Hong Kong. Many were visiting the city for the first time and felt its unique charm first-hand. They said the Summit's sessions and activities gave them insight into the latest directions in youth development in other regions. They also let them see Hong Kong from many perspectives and make friends with young people from Hong Kong and around the world. Mr Leung hoped the delegates would share their Hong Kong experience with friends back home and return before long for further exchanges.

Earlier in Beijing, the delegation visited the Xiaomi electric vehicle factory, Robot World and Tsinghua University, and called at the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPPCC.

Playing the "Super-Connector" Role and Making China-US Youth Exchange a Regular Fixture

Established in Hong Kong in February 2024, Chinese Young Entrepreneurs Association works to connect young entrepreneurs of Chinese descent around the world and to promote business inclusion and cultural exchange. In September last year, it organised a similar programme that brought more than 30 young American entrepreneurs to Beijing and Hong Kong.

Mr Ling said: "The visit fits well with the HYAB's call to tell the world the good stories of Hong Kong youth." The Association will continue to play Hong Kong's "super-connector" role. In line with the initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans to China over the next five years, it will make such exchanges regular and institutionalised, steadily widening the circle of friends in China-US youth exchange. In this way, it hopes young people can become a wellspring of vitality for the healthy and stable development of China-US relations.