At a panel discussion marking the 60th anniversary of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), current chairman Frederick Ma Si-hang and four of his predecessors emphasized the necessity of Hong Kong remaining an outward-looking economy. The group argued that the city’s identity as a free port is fundamental to its ability to thrive in a changing global landscape.

During the event, the speakers highlighted that while Hong Kong faces significant economic challenges, it must continue to leverage its unique position. A central theme of the discussion was the importance of balancing the city's international connectivity with its integration into mainland China. The leaders suggested that the city needs to approach these economic hurdles with creativity to maintain its competitive edge. While the panel focused on the necessity of openness, they did not provide specific policy prescriptions for how the city should navigate potential geopolitical tensions that might impact its status as a free port. The consensus among the former and current leaders was that Hong Kong’s historical model of trade-led growth remains the most viable path forward for the city’s long-term economic stability.