What's New

On March 16, 2020, the Health Officer of the City and County of San Francisco has issued a Public Health Order requiring that residents remain in place, with the only exception being for essential needs. This measure is necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The Order is effective as of midnight on Tuesday, March 17 and is effective until April 7, 2020, or until it is extended.

In compliance with the Order, the office at 130 Montgomery Street in San Francisco will be closed starting March 17 until April 7. All staff will be working remotely. We will keep you posted of any changes as they occur.

We wish everyone well as we collectively navigate this global health challenge and look forward to connect with you in person in the near future.

Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office
San Francisco

Public Health Response Plan Activated

Hong Kong health authorities continue to monitor developments regarding the emergence of an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus. A dedicated webpage has been set up to provide relevant information and health advice. Details here.

Entry restriction on non-Hong Kong residents coming from overseas extended

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has extended, until further notice, the entry restriction on non-Hong Kong residents coming from overseas countries or regions by plane and those having been to overseas countries or regions in the past 14 days preceding arrival at Hong Kong.  All transit services at the Hong Kong International Airport will also continue to be suspended until further notice. Details here.

Virus surveillance scheme extended to cover asymptomatic inbound travelers

The Department of Health’s Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme that provides free COVID-19 testing will be extended to cover asymptomatic travelers arriving in Hong Kong from the UK, other European countries and the US in phases. Details here.

Entry to Hong Kong during the Fight Against COVID-19

Hong Kong remains open to visitors during the current fight against COVID-19 virus. But to prevent the virus from entering and spreading in the city, strict measures have been put in place. Details here.

Hong Kong ranked 2nd freest economy

Hong Kong has ranked at number two in the Heritage Foundation's 2020 Index of Economic Freedom. Details here.

Building Development Teams in Hong Kong is a Viable Option for Bay Area Tech Companies

Do tech companies’ engineering teams have to be based in Silicon Valley?  Some Bay Area entrepreneurs said it doesn’t have to be.  Flexport, Clover Health and HomeCourt all have development teams offshore.  And it works! Details here.

Financial Times

Driving Hong Kong’s Workforce

To meet the demands of a rapidly changing global economy, a competitive city’s workforce needs not only to be highly skilled but also adaptable and agile. Thanks to Hong Kong’s geographical position at the heart of Asia, its high standards in local education and training, and its sophisticated business culture, the city continues to prove a magnet for top-tier talent. Details here.

The Economist

How Hong Kong is winning at eSports

Building a successful eSports ecosystem requires excellent internet and connectivity, support from the public sector, financial institutions and universities, a sustainable talent pipeline of tech-savvy young people, a thriving technology development scene, capital investment, and venues to host physical events. Hong Kong meets all of the above criteria—and has a number of unique advantages that other global cities lack. Details here.

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