Hong Kong is a hub for international trade and financial services. Its economic system is characterised by low taxes and free trade. The standard of living and per-capita income are high. Since 2009, Hong Kong’s interests have been represented by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Berlin. The Hong Kong Trade and Development Council has a regional office for Europe based in Frankfurt.

There are some 500 German companies, branches and regional offices in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a gateway to the Chinese market for international financial institutions and companies, and vice versa. It is also a base for doing business with the entire region.

The German business community is represented by German Industry and Commerce (GIC) as a delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Hong Kong, the German Chamber of Commerce (GCC), a correspondent from Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) as well as a trade fair association. At the German Business Faculty, a German vocational college which is part of the Kaplan Business and Accountancy School, students can engage in dual vocational training in three diploma programmes. The Consulate General supports these institutions in their work.

German school-leaving qualifications can be attained at the German Swiss International School (GSIS). The Goethe-Institut in Hong Kong offers German courses and cultural programmes. Hong Kong’s universities are amongst the most important in Asia and some also rank highly internationally. More than 50 Germans are teaching at universities in the country. German (also classical) culture is held in high regard in Hong Kong and Germans are playing prominent roles in various sectors of the Hong Kong cultural scene.