ABOUT US
Our Mission
Championing a Unique Identity
At the Better Hong Kong Foundation, we are dedicated to advocating for the unique “One Country, Two Systems” principle conceived in the 1980s by China’s late paramount leader, Deng Xiaoping. This innovative framework enables Hong Kong to flourish under China’s sovereignty while preserving our capitalist system, common law, international outlook, and east-meets-west culture since our reunification with China on July 1, 1997.
Hong Kong benefits from a high degree of autonomy, including our own currency, passport, immigration policies, and participation in international organizations as “Hong Kong, China”. This arrangement safeguards our distinctive identity and vibrant economic landscape and cements our continuing importance as a leading global financial centre.
The city also excels in fostering future talent, boasting some of the highest-ranked universities that produce exceptional academic research across a wide spectrum of disciplines. Out of eight University Grants Committee-funded universities in Hong Kong, five have been consistently ranked among the top 100 institutions of higher education worldwide.
Our primary focus is to showcase these strengths, supported by our freedoms of speech, information, assembly, movement, and religious practices, among others, in addition to a free-market economy and a skilled labour force. Our dedication to the rule of law, a simple and low-tax environment, an effective regulatory structure, and a robust financial services industry solidifies Hong Kong’s status as a prime destination for global business and investment.
By underscoring the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, we spotlight Hong Kong’s irreplaceable role on the international stage and our contributions as a critical global city.
Bridging Global Horizons Through Outreach
The Better Hong Kong Foundation sees Hong Kong as a “super-connector”. We extend our hand globally, dispelling misconceptions by sharing authentic Hong Kong and China narratives and fostering bonds through high-level exchanges across continents.
We aim to bring Hong Kong, mainland China, and the rest of the world closer together through strategic outreach to the business sector and leading delegations to the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Implemented with a practical and pragmatic approach, our initiatives enhance partnerships and collaborations and stimulate person-to-person interactions.
We welcome overseas delegations and journalists to Hong Kong, offering them firsthand insights into Hong Kong’s dynamic economic landscape and exploring opportunities for mutual gain.
In parallel, we actively engage with Chinese institutions, officials, think tanks and media outlets to gain a fuller picture while strengthening bonds and collaborative efforts.
Engaging the Local Community
Our engagement with the local community is exemplified by an annual speaking luncheon that gathers Consul Generals, heads of international chambers, opinion leaders, and influential figures in Hong Kong. This forum encourages the exchange of ideas on pressing topics, fostering dialogue and understanding.
For young Hongkongers, we ignite interest in international affairs and diplomacy through the Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest, established in collaboration with the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and the Hong Kong Education Bureau in 2007, the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. The winners receive not only accolades but also participate in educational journeys to Beijing and other key Chinese cities.
Empowering Through Knowledge
We fuel progress by collaborating with premier research institutions and academia to decode socio-economic trends, enabling informed guidance to the related authorities and the community in supporting development.
For over 15 years, the Foundation, in partnership with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, has produced the China Urban Competitiveness Report, which evaluates Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness and offers recommendations for its future growth.
Additionally, we have partnered with the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Shanghai Committee and Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences for over two decades to orchestrate annual forums focused on deepening Hong Kong-Shanghai collaborations across various sectors.
The Foundation has also supported and worked with the Global Solutions Initiative to facilitate a China-focused session at the Global Solutions Summit, addressing green finance and sustainability topics.