China panel launches inquiry into Amcham's promotional video of HK

The chair of a new U.S. congressional panel scrutinising China has reportedly made its first inquiry towards the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (Amcham)'s stance on the city’s national security law after its chairman listed out the business opportunities under the new "safe" Hong Kong in a promotional video, according to Bloomberg.

Don't miss: Beyond 'Hello Hong Kong' campaign's mass ticket giveaway: What more can be done?

Launched as part of the HK$1bn global promotional campaign “Hello Hong Kong”, the video features the chairs of chamber of U.K., Australia, America, Singapore, Japan, India and France, highlighting the benefits of starting businesses in Hong Kong including dining and entertainment opportunities. The representatives described the city “safe” and “incredibly attractive” in the video.  Within the video, Anne Kerr, chair of the British chamber, said that Hong Kong has a “sound legal system.”

According to the report, U.S. representative Mike Gallagher wrote a letter to the Amcham leader Geoffrey Siebengartner stating that Beijing had dismantled what remained of Hong Kong’s democratic institutions, jailed and disappeared dissidents, and violated its international obligations since the establishment of national security law.

Gallagher also added that the U.S. government had determined that the passage of the security law had undermined the rights and freedoms promised by the Chinese government under the 1984 declaration and pointed out the recent trial of Hong Kong 47 – a group of pro-democracy former lawmakers.

Furthermore, Gallagher wrote that Siebengartner’s appearance in the promotional video could be identified as a quiet reversal of the official US position on the matter as the chamber was closely associated with the U.S. government in Hong Kong. He requested the chamber to clarify its position on the national security law by addressing six questions, including whether the chamber believes that the national security law is consistent with the “rule of law", by 27 February.

Don't miss: 'Hello Hong Kong' a missed opportunity, say HK adland creatives

Most recently, Siebengartner delivered his inaugural remarks highlighting the chamber’s priorities for 2023 and the importance of engagement as a critical step in reviving Hong Kong’s post-pandemic economy and maintaining a healthy US-China relationship. 

“As we embark on our engagement agenda for the year, we look forward to playing a role in restoring the networks and connections, and the dialogues and exchanges that play a crucial role in building mutual understanding and a less fragmented business environment,” said Siebengartner. 

“To support the economy and attract businesses and talent, AmCham is of the view that the Hong Kong government must communicate to foreign investors and the business community that Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy remains vibrant and intact, and will be preserved and promoted as the bedrock of an international business center,” added Siebengartner. 

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong for further information.

(Video courtesy: YouTube channel of Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong)

Related articles:

Hong Kong Tourism Board reveals details of HK$100m promotional campaign
Hong Kong to launch 'big' promotional campaign to lure back tourists and businesses
HK's population drops for 3rd consecutive year with net outflow of 60,000 residents in 2022