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Hong Kong’s Flagship Financial Forum Guests Enjoy City’s Multi-Faceted Appeal with Tourism Board

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Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2025 -To attract high-yield visitors to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) constantly promotes the development of Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism through elevating business travellers’ experience in Hong Kong, reinforcing the city’s position as the “World’s Meeting Place”. In line with this mission, and with the vision of the newly released “Development Blueprint for Hong Kong Tourism Industry 2.0”, Hong Kong’s “spirit of hospitality” was amply demonstrated for about 100 guests of Asia Financial Forum (AFF), the city’s flagship financial event that is the first in the region to kick-start the new year.

Phoebe Shing, Director of Business Development Team Lead, MICE of Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said, “The Tourism Blueprint 2.0 has reaffirmed that hospitality is also about creating a rich, and enjoyable experience for visitors. AFF, an established event launched by the HKSAR Government in 2007 and the first major event for Hong Kong on the 2025 events calendar, is the perfect platform for showcasing Hong Kong-style hospitality to an important audience of movers and shakers in the global financial field.”

Iconic Hong Kong experiences showcasing the city’s strengths beyond financial fields

The unique bleisure offerings showcased the city’s multi-faceted appeal perfect to add colour to any business event anytime. From the classic Peak Tram ride to Victoria Harbour cruise, and from the city’s traditional cultural immersion at Man Mo Temple to revitalised heritage tour at Tai Kwun, all are easy to explore seamlessly by event guests.

Classic Peak Tram & Sky Terrace 428 Visits for a perfect elevated panorama

Guests were transported from the buzzing conference hall to serene Peak views in less than 20 minutes, in an awe-inspiring journey on the funicular Peak Tram leading to a full experience of Sky Terrace 428 and a stroll to the Lion’s Point View Pavilion for stunning views. The group was also mesmerised by the Hong Kong-style snacks and toys at a corner store full of local nostalgia, taking pictures to recollect their memories in Hong Kong.

Dr.Jochen Biedermann, Managing Director of World Alliance of International Financial Centres from Germany said, “Taking part in AFF for exchanges is for the mind, whereas joining the night tour to the Peak on the tram was a feast for the eyes. I enjoyed it very much. I was here like 10 years ago and it’s nice to be back. The Peak Tram station now is very modern, nicely illuminated and colourful. The Peak is definitely one of the most attractive points of Hong Kong for tourists and business people like me.”

Aqua Luna ride for stunning Victoria Harbour experience

Soon after the event concluded, guests were invited to cruise on characterful Aqua Luna red-sail junk boat, taking in breathtaking skyline views.

Marc Baghadjian, CEO & Co-founder of Hypercard American Express from New York said, “I love this Aqua Luna tour! Hong Kong is so special where everybody comes to this city to do business. When we’re in the room negotiating, you don’t see how beautiful parts of the city are. But when you take a tour like this (to see) the stunning Hong Kong skyline and (feel) the vibrancy of the city, you can see the Hong Kong dream here.”

Explore cultural heritage in Old Town Central

On the day after the event, the guests visited Man Mo Temple to pray for good fortune through a guided Gold Foil Paste Ceremony, followed by a guided tour to discover the city’s rich history represented at the Tai Kwun heritage site.

Felix Katterl, Partner of Soutien Group from Qatar said, “It is my first visit in Hong Kong. It is a very diverse city. The tours allowed me to learn more about Hong Kong’s history, Hong Kong’s heritage. I’ve been wishing for health, prosperity, well-being, and peace in the world when sticking the gold foil on the deer. For Tai Kwun, it doesn’t really look like a prison. It has been revitalised in a wonderful way with all these hospitality offerings, restaurants and bars. I really cannot wait to come back with my wife to show her this beautiful environment.”

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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