On 6 – 10 October 2025, the Foundation organized its third consecutive high-level delegation visit to Paris, France, and its inaugural visit to Zurich, Switzerland. The 13-member delegation was led by the Foundation’s Committee Chairman, Ronnie Chan. During the visit, the delegation engaged with local business leaders, senior diplomats, academics, and think tanks to foster mutual understanding, explore shared interests, and initiate potential collaborations.
Chinese Ambassador to France Deng Li (6th right) received the delegation at the Chinese Embassy in Paris, France
This visit was part of the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to deepen its understanding of the European landscape and to promote meaningful dialogue between Hong Kong and these two important European countries.
As a non-official platform, the Foundation’s mission is to connect Hong Kong, mainland China, and the broader global community. The delegation focused on three key agenda items:
1. China–Europe relations and China’s evolving role on the global stage
2. Key concerns and emerging opportunities in both mainland China and Hong Kong
3. Business collaboration opportunities for Hong Kong, mainland China and Europe
BHKF-HKTDC Business Roundtable Discussion in Paris, France
Entrepreneur dialogue hosted by Julius Baer for the Foundation’s delegation in Zurich, Switzerland
Visited Glencore International AG in Baar, Switzerland — one of the world’s largest globally diversified natural resource companies — with CEO Gary Nagle (5th from left) and CFO Steven Kalmin (3rd from left)
The delegation aimed to gain insights from top European intellectuals and decision-makers regarding their perspectives on China–Europe relations. At the same time, we shared our own views from a business standpoint on how both sides can work together to promote a constructive and peaceful global order. Lastly, we welcomed the opportunity to answer questions and provide updates on the latest developments, including the economic outlook in both mainland China and Hong Kong.
Inspiring dinner with esteemed intellectuals in Paris: Ambassador Maurice Gourdault-Montagne (4th left), Arancha González (6th left), Yves Perrier (6th right), and Thierry de Montbrial (4th right)
List of Delegates:
– Ronnie Chan
Executive Committee Chairman, BHKF/ Honorary Chair, Hang Lung Properties Ltd
Lead er of the Delegation
– Dario Pong
Corporate Sponsor, BHKF / Executive Director, Shiu Wing Steel Ltd
– Karen Tang
Executive Director, BHKF
– Sebastian Man
Council Member, BHKF / Chairman & CEO, Chung Mei International Holdings Ltd
– John Lee
Council Member, BHKF / Vice Chairman & Co-Head of Asia Country Coverage Global Banking, UBS AG
– Bryant Lu
Council Member, BHKF / Vice Chairman, Ronald Lu & Partners (Hong Kong) Ltd
– Alice Au
Council Member, BHKF / Partner and Co-Lead & CEO of Asia Pacific, Spencer Stuart
– Zhong Xiaofeng
Council Member, BHKF / Vice Chairman of Asia, Amundi Hong Kong Ltd
– Bosco Law
Council Member, BHKF / Deputy Chairman & CEO, Laws Fashion Group Ltd
– Eugene Cheung
Council Member, BHKF / Head of Investment, Asset Light, Investment & Strategic Development, Hysan Development Co Ltd
– Paul Tai
Council Member, BHKF / Regional Director, Far East, Mainetti (HK) Ltd
– Ronald Chan
Council Member, BHKF / Chief Investment Officer, Chartwell Capital Ltd
– Tammy Tam (invited guest)
Editor-in-Chief, South China Morning Post
Organizations and Places Visited:
Paris, France (6 – 8 Oct 2025)
– Ambassador Deng Li, Chinese Ambassador to France
– BHKF Dinner
Amb Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, former French Ambassador to China
Arancha González, Dean, Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA), Science Po
Yves Perrier, Chairman, Rothschild Bank
Thierry de Montbrial, Executive Chairman, French Institute of International Relations
– BHKF-HKTDC Business Roundtable Paris
Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF)
Comité France Chine (CFC)
French Healthcare Association (FHA)
UNIFAB
Choose Paris Region
LPA Law
Representative Office in France of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade
– Meeting with Representative Office in France of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade/Chamber of Commerce & Industries of China in France
– Lunch co-hosted by Amundi and BHKF
Patrice Lemonnier, Head of Emerging Market Equities, Amundi
Vafa Ahmadi, Managing Director, Global Head of Thematic Equity, CPR Asset Management, Amundi
Guillaume Dard, Chairman, Montpensier Finance
Arnaud Barthelemy, General Partner & COO, AI Capital
– Luis Vassy, President, Sciences Po
– Center for International Studies (CERI)
Stéphanie Balme, Director of CERI
Crystal Card, Mission Head, International Affairs & Research Offices
– A Runway Show
– Visit to Notre-Dame de Paris and Sainte-Chapelle
Zurich, Switzerland (9 – 10 October 2025)
– Dinner hosted by Chen Yun, Consul General of the PRC in Zurich
– Glencore International AG
Gary Nagle, Chief Executive Officer
Steven Kalmin, Chief Financial Officer
– UBS
Mark Haefele, Group Managing Director / Global Chief Investment Officer
– Ivan Glasenberg (largest shareholder of Glencore and ex-CEO)
– Dinner hosted by Julius Baer Chairman Noel Quinn (formerly HSBC Chairman)
Eunice Zehnder-Lai, Member of the Board, Julius Baer
Kathryn Shih, Member of the Board, Julius Baer
– Entrepreneur Dialogue hosted by Julius Baer: “Tariffs and the World Today: Perspectives from Asian Business Leaders”
– BHKF Lunch Talk on Digital Assets and the Swiss Ecosystem in Zug
Stefan Rust, Founder & CEO, Laguna Labs
Konstantin Meier-Kulenkampff, Vice President Purchasing & Materials, Global Fendt/Valtra & EME Region, AGCO International GmbH
– Lunch and Art Viewing hosted at Uli Sigg’s Home in Mauensee
Eunice Zehnder-Lai, Member of the Board, Julius Baer
