EyE on U | Jonathan Choi: HK poised to connect mainland, world with unique positioning in 'dual circulation'

As a "super-connector," HK has always been responsible for spreading and promoting Chinese culture. As new situations arise, the city has made an effort to absorb the best of foreign cultures while telling its own HK stories.

In the latest edition of EyE on U, we are glad to have invited Mr. Jonathan Choi, 53rd President of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC), to share his personal experience and views on youth development in HK and beyond.

Choi's family migrated to Hong Kong in the 1950s. Starting from scratch, his father strived to support the family of five with his seafood wholesale business. As the family business started to take form later, Choi was called back to HK from abroad and soon took over the helm at the age of 25. Under his leadership and through extreme hard work, the small seafood business developed into an international conglomerate known as the Sunwah Group.

"At that time we need to be really hardworking and that is the foundation on which we build Sunwah Group. I think that's the way to build a business, not only for myself. For so many other successful businessmen in HK, they did the same," he said.

Speaking of HK's unique role in the country's "dual circulation" plan, Choi said, "Among the dual circulation I would say HK is right in the middle. We get the best from the whole two parts of the world."

"Therefore, HK young people, firstly you need to work closely with GBA and our motherland to get the opportunity. And at the same time don't forget you could you have to go international," he added.

Choi said that similarly, the positioning of the CGCC is still "based in HK, backed by the motherland, facing the world", and the CGCC will do its best to tell the world the good stories of HK.

Making good use of his personal and the CGCC's network, Choi has endeavored to tell the HK story globally with a multi-pronged approach, so that more foreign businesses can understand the real situation and gain confidence in the city. What action has he taken? How does he evaluate the overall business situation in HK now? What has he learned from his experiences in ASEAN countries and what advice would he give young people? Watch the video now to find out.