Few public bodies reflect Hong Kong’s identity as a global business hub as much as the Trade Development Council (TDC). As it celebrates its 60th anniversary, its mission has expanded beyond promoting small and medium-sized local firms to the outside world to now include helping mainland firms connect with Hong Kong and beyond.

The city’s economy has shifted from a focus on manufacturing when the TDC first launched to services and hi-tech fields. China has become the world’s second-largest economy. Today, the TDC’s biggest mission is in China while its biggest challenge is in the United States.

Last year, it announced a strategic alliance with the Bank of China to encourage mainland Chinese companies to use the city as a “superconnector” for venturing overseas. Of its network of 51 offices, 13 are on the mainland.

As the on-and-off trade war between the two superpowers drags on, some US politicians have called for the closure of the Hong Kong government’s three Economic and Trade Offices in the US. Seen as more neutral, the TDC needs to double down on promoting and explaining Hong Kong’s unique role to Washington.

Over the years, the TDC has become expert at fostering international trade through its network of offices, expos and business missions. Hong Kong is going global. Rather than focusing on big cities in developed economies, it is reaching out to fast-growing developing countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in Central Asia and the rich Gulf states in the Middle East. The TDC is optimising its global office network to help Hong Kong and mainland firms better explore their business and commercial potential.

In a panel discussion marking the TDC’s 60th anniversary, former TDC chairman Peter Woo Kwong-ching said protecting Hong Kong’s core freedoms was paramount. He also cited the need to avoid future pandemic-style shutdowns. Draconian measures are warranted when faced with a catastrophic outbreak, but the authorities must ensure they are proportional to the risks. TDC chairman Frederick Ma Si-hang and former leaders of the trade promotion body were right when they said Hong Kong must remain an outward-looking free port. Our continuing prosperity depends on it.