June 2026 Newsletter of the Irish Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong

 

Welcome to the June edition of the Irish Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong newsletter. In this issue, we bring you the latest updates, insights, and news. You’ll find everything you need to stay informed and connected, from upcoming events and member highlights to industry trends and networking opportunities.



If you are an Irish company ready to expand into Hong Kong, China now is the time to act! Contact us to discover how we can help you unlock opportunities and accelerate your growth in the market. Email:   info@irishchamber.hk

 

A quick look at business news that you may have missed:

 

 

In a bid to compete against Dublin and others, a new initiative by Hong Kong aims to attract corporate treasury centres (CTCs) in a bid to strengthen its role as an international financial centre. This would broaden interest deductions under the 50% profits tax concession and introduce a pre‑approval process, giving companies clarity on tax treatment before setting up.

 

By simplifying requirements such as complex intragroup interest rules and structural hurdles, Hong Kong aims to attract more mainland and multinational groups to centralise cash, funding and risk management in Hong Kong. This in turn could stimulate high‑value jobs and greater activity across banking, professional services and capital markets. Read the full story in the SCMP.

 

 

Irish companies supported by Enterprise Ireland increased their exports by 8% in 2025, reaching a record €39 billion. Growth was described as steady across food and drink, manufacturing and technology, with Europe and the UK each taking in more than €11 billion of exports and now accounting for 29% of total exports apiece. North America remained the third-largest market, with exports to the region edging up by 1% to €7.34 billion.

 

There was particularly strong momentum in the Nordic markets, where exports grew by 39%, driven mainly by high‑tech construction, much of it linked to data centre activity. Around 40% of all high‑tech construction exports by Irish-owned firms in 2024 were tied to data centres, demonstrating Ireland’s growing role in this specialist segment. Read here for the full story.

 

 

The taoiseach has issued a warning about deepfakes after a fake video of him was used to promote a financial scam. Micheál Martin said the video circulating online was “clearly very false material” and a reminder of the need to remain vigilant on social media.

 

In the fake clip, an AI-generated version of the taoiseach, speaking with an English accent, claims that investors of any age can earn €40,000 (£35,000) “with just a phone and €250 (£216)”. Martin has called on social media platforms to stop such content from being uploaded and to remove it as soon as it is detected.

 

 

The Irish government has announced €5 million in funding for a special arts programme to mark Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Cultúr 2026: Sharing Ireland’s Culture will feature concerts, exhibitions and talks celebrating the Irish language and culture, with events taking place in Ireland and across all 27 EU member states from 1 July to 31 December.

 

Three new commissions will debut in Brussels: an art installation by Richard Malone at the Justus Lipsius building, an opening concert at Flagey, and a Literature Ireland exhibition in the European Parliament. These will be followed by a programme of Irish arts at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris and the presentation of Cotter & Naessens Architects’ Venice Biennale exhibition, Assembly, at Busáras in Dublin. Would be nice for some of these to come over to Hong Kong / Asia as well.

 

The Asia Pacific Irish Business Forum 2026 will be taking place in Hong Kong this November during the Asian Gaelic Games. For all Irish Chamber of Commerce HK members, sponsors and associated organisations and business groups, this offers a great opportunity for networking and more. Stay tuned for details in the next newsletters. If you’d like to get involved, please reach out to info@irishchamber.hk

 

 

 

 

 

First up, our very own Alexander May recently joined Shazia Awan-Scully on RTHK Radio 3’s Brunch to share his journey from boardrooms and large transactions to handcrafting leather goods in Hong Kong. Alexander spoke about reinvention, creativity and pursuing what genuinely inspires him. Catch the interview here and check out www.Bouclier.Co for some simply exquisite, handcrafted leather goods.

 

This month, H.O.P. was the venue for the Chamber’s Young Professionals Networking Drinks, which proved to be a lively summer highlight. Attendees had the chance to expand their professional networks, reconnect with familiar faces, and build new relationships within the Irish, and broader international, business community. According to our source, the conversations were flowing, as was the tequila! Congratulations to Nikita Leung for organising another great YP event!

 

The Chamber was proud to support the Europe Day Reception 2026, held last month, celebrating the European Union’s core values of peace, cooperation, democracy and the rule of law.

 

The event welcomed over 300 guests from across the political, diplomatic, business and civil society communities, including Secretary for Justice Paul Lam. Hosted in collaboration with EU Member State Consulates-General and Chambers of Commerce, the evening highlighted the strength of EU and Hong Kong ties and the EU’s role as a key global economic and trading partner.

 

In his remarks, Ambassador Harvey Rouse, Head of the EU Office to Hong Kong and Macao, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to deepening engagement with Hong Kong, particularly in areas such as trade, sustainability and people-to-people exchange, while underscoring the importance of maintaining confidence in the rule of law and Hong Kong’s international character.

 

 

Last month, Padraig Seif, President together with local Chamber Consultant Gracie Seif, attended a networking event organised by the Ireland - Hong Kong Business Forum in Dublin. Board Members Maria Deady and Chen Tian planned an evening at Doheny and Nesbitt’s on Baggot Street, with kind sponsorship by James McKnight of Simmons & Simmons.

 

 

The event attracted wonderful turnout with professionals ranging from the legal industry, the funds industry, the banking sector, the technology sector, academia and even the film industry.

 

 

Many connections were made while sharing fantastic stories about experiences from China, Hong Kong, Nepal, Singapore, and more. We so look forward to the next event and leave you with a few snapshot impressions of a most enjoyable evening.

Photo Caption:  Padraig Seif, Chen Tian, and Gracie Seif

Photo Caption: Padraig Seif and Chen Tian with guests

Photo Caption: Chen Tian and guests

 

It might be a stretch to say that if it’s green, the Irish must be involved. But when there’s an entire day dedicated to the colour, well, when in Rome…

The Irish Chamber was pleased to support Hong Kong Green Day 2026, held on 5 June and organised by the Green Council, marking the city’s annual celebration of World Environment Day.

 

Under this year’s theme, “A Global Call for Climate Action”, the initiative brought together businesses, schools and the wider community to promote sustainable practices including the City Green Hunt, Dress Green Campaign, corporate pledges and educational competitions, all aimed at making sustainability practical and accessible.

 

 

 

News now about an upcoming event hosted by Airwallex, a leading global financial platform for modern businesses and a valued Chamber sponsor. On Wednesday, 8 July, Airwallex Connect presents: Joint-Chamber Summer Sundowners Happy Hour 2026 which will bring together members of the Irish, German, and Italian Chambers.

 

Free for members, this relaxed yet high-impact evening offers an excellent opportunity to connect with peers, engage with the Airwallex team, and gain insights into how partners are supporting international business growth.

 

The programme will feature a brief introduction to Airwallex Connect and its exclusive membership renewal cash rebate initiative, alongside short sharing sessions from participating chambers.

 

 

As you may already know, the world’s greatest football tournament has kicked off, with matches being screened at venues across Hong Kong. Our favourite spot is Dockyard at The Kerry Hotel, while the HK Jockey Club is joining the excitement with its “Racing with Football” series running until 8 July. Tatler Asia has also compiled a handy list of top places to catch the games. Check it out here.

 

[Pubs on the route to the Scotland vs Haiti match in Boston sold three times more beer that day than on St Patrick’s Day. Three times! Crikey! We’re going to need bigger drinking boots.]

 

 

 

Rory McIlroy’s historic victory at Augusta National was not only a defining moment in his career, but it also further promoted Ireland’s standing as one of the world’s leading golf destinations.

 

With around 400 courses across the island, many set against dramatic coastal scenery, golfers can choose from classic rolling links and historic parkland layouts that cater to every level, from beginners to seasoned players. More than 90 of these courses are in Northern Ireland alone, offering everything from gentle resort experiences to demanding championship tests.

 

[Of course, we had to look and found a travel operator offering golf tours to Ireland from Hong Kong lasting 7-10 days with packages starting at HK$50,000 (sans flights). Mind you, that’s the full deluxe option such as chauffeur driven transfers and playing on courses like Royal County Down and Ballybunion although the glorious scenery is thrown in for free.]

 

 

 

February sits firmly in the October to March sweet spot, when the weather in Hong Kong is at its best. Yet there is one very good reason to leave the city that month and head to wintery Paris to see Celtic Legends, the renowned show dedicated to Celtic culture.



Returning to Salle Pleyel from 26–28 February 2027 as part of its 25th‑anniversary celebrations, this new production blends live music including Uilleann pipes, penny whistle, fiddle, bodhrán and guitar and a troupe of dancers from Dublin, Belfast and Galway in wonderful celebration of Ireland’s heritage and Celtic tradition. More here.

The Irish Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong is proud to be supported by Airwallex, AMT, Atelier Bouclier, Boase Cohen & Collins, Crown Worldwide Group, Enterprise Ireland, the Government of Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme, InvestHK, Kildare Village, LynxCap Investments, Precious Metals Asia, Sors, The Beat Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Corporate Services Group. Check out the Irish Chamber of Commerce HK website for member offers from our sponsors.

 

The Irish Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong supports Irish businesses and professionals and provides a trusted platform for connection, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. While deepening commercial and cultural ties between Ireland and Hong Kong, we also welcome the opportunity to help new and existing members to find new opportunities, forge meaningful partnerships, and navigate the dynamic landscape of business in Hong Kong. Contact us at info@irishchamber.hk or find us on LinkedIn.

The Irish Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong is proud to be supported by Airwallex, AMT, Atelier Bouclier, Boase Cohen & Collins, Crown Worldwide Group, Enterprise Ireland, the Government of Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme, InvestHK, Kildare Village, LynxCap Investments, Precious Metals Asia, Sors, The Beat Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Corporate Services Group. Check out the Irish Chamber of Commerce HK website for member offers from our sponsors.

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