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

 

Welcome to the October issue of the Irish Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong newsletter! With just one month to go until the Asia Pacific Irish Business Forum 2026, it feels like the calm before the storm—in the best possible way. In this issue, we have an update on the Forum, news about a business opportunity, a photo exhibition, FIVE business stories, and, in recognition of U2’s 50th anniversary, we’ve even managed to lever in a connection between the band and Hong Kong!

 

 

Looking to bring your business to Hong Kong or China? We can help you make the right connections and explore new opportunities for growth. Start the conversation:     info@irishchamber.hk

 

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

 

 

 

Announced in Ireland’s Budget on 6 October 2026, the standard Capital Gains Tax rate was reduced from 33% to 31% for disposals made on or after 7 October 2026, supporting long-term corporate structuring and investor exits. The R&D tax credit rate stands at 35%, while the first-year refundable payment threshold has increased to €105,000.Source.

 

 

If you’re an Irish company planning to open an office in Hong Kong, or already here and renting, now could be the time to consider buying. With Grade A office prices around 49% below their 2018 peak and borrowing costs easing, banks, businesses and universities are choosing ownership over renting. Prime locations such as Central and Admiralty are attracting interest, creating opportunities for well-capitalised buyers, although interest-rate risks and distressed sales remain factors to watch. Source.

 

 

 

Ireland has launched Intelligence, a 35-initiative programme to accelerate AI adoption across the economy and public sector by 2030. At its heart is a €150 million AI Future Skills programme supporting workforce training and lifelong learning, alongside expanded free online courses, a new national skills academy and AI literacy resources for schools. Sector-specific strategies will also help businesses put AI into practice. Source.

 

 

If you are intending to travel to Ireland and then take a ferry to the UK by Irish Ferries and Stena Line, you now need to show your passport. Driving licences and other photo ID are no longer accepted; Stena Line will accept passports or passport cards. These are boarding requirements, despite Irish and British citizens’ right to travel without a passport under the Common Travel Area. Source.

 

Science Business’s article, ‘How multinational companies shaped Ireland’s chips success story’, is well worth a read—particularly the nifty graphic two pages in. Half of the world’s largest semiconductor companies now have a presence in Ireland, including Analog Devices, which recently celebrated 50 years in the country.Source.

The Asia Pacific Irish Business Forum 2026 organising committee are steaming head with the securing of sponsors, speakers, ticket sales, venues, and much more. Tickets are available now from here.

 

We launched Forum publicity in early October with a press release, member email and posts across WhatsApp and LinkedIn. Padraig recorded an interview for RTHK’s The Close, airing in November, and will speak to the South China Morning Post about APIBF 2026 and business opportunities between Ireland and Hong Kong.



Plus, we arranged for Ken Cronin, Vice Chairman, Gaelic Games Asia (The Asian County Board) to be interviewed about the GAA. We understand that another programme host is exploring further coverage of the Games. Here’s the link to sign up for the AGG!

 

We also connected Ken with a Hong Kong-based journalist who heads up content in Asia for Undici, an international sports and lifestyle magazine and media brand that explores the connections between sport, culture and society.

 

[Next month’s newsletter will cover the Asia Pacific Irish Business Forum 2026 in more detail. Follow the Chamber’s LinkedIn page for frequent updates.]

 

Early in October there was a big turnout by members of the Irish, Belgium-Luxembourg and Japanese chambers of commerce for an evening of networking and lively discussion at Jardine House in Central. Guests exchanged insights on regional business opportunities and made new connections across Hong Kong’s international business community. Special thanks to Henry for helping to organise!

 

Henry Au, our long-standing board member, vice president and treasurer, attended the ‘Meeting between Guangdong Province and Foreign Chambers of Commerce’ in Hong Kong.

 

Guangdong is a major business and manufacturing centre, with 18.07 million registered business entities, one-tenth of China’s total, and a quarter of the country’s foreign-funded enterprises as of the end of 2023.

 

 

These included more than 96,000 Hong Kong- and Macao-funded legal entities, highlighting its strong commercial ties with the two cities. For Irish companies, Guangdong offers a significant potential market and source of suppliers and business partners, with Hong Kong connections providing a useful starting point for exploring opportunities. Source.

 

This is bigger than big! Join fellow young professionals for an evening of networking at the 75th YPC Young Professional Cocktail, organised by InterCham Hong Kong, which brings together 33 international chambers of commerce. Make new connections across Hong Kong’s international business community while enjoying selected canapés and unlimited house wines, beer and soft drinks. Sign up here.

 

 

A reminder: The Asian Gaelic Games Championship will take place on 21 and 22 November 2026 at the HKFA Jockey Club Football Training Centre in Tseung Kwan O. The weekend will bring 700 players plus supporters from across Asia in a big celebration of Gaelic hurling and camogie. Check out AGG website for more information.

 

 

 

Julie Kennedy Fogarty, an Irish children’s author and independent publisher based in Tipperary, will exhibit at the upcoming Asia Pacific Irish Business Forum 2026 in Hong Kong. Julie has built a publishing business with an established presence across Irish bookshops, major retailers, visitor attractions and libraries.

 

 

Julie is now exploring international growth opportunities, particularly in Hong Kong and the wider Asia Pacific region. Building on her books’ success in Ireland’s retail and gift markets, she welcomes connections with distributors, publishers, booksellers, retailers and marketing partners interested in bringing Irish children’s books to new audiences.

 

 

If you can help, drop a line to Gracie@irishchamber.hk

 

 

 

Celebrating their 50th anniversary last month, and knowing they had never played in Hong Kong, we thought it would be unlikely that there would be any connection between the +852 and U2. But incredibly there is. Back in 1996, U2 manager Paul McGuinness commissioned director Richie Smyth to create a promotional film for Island Records, pairing studio and archive footage with early demos known as ‘Pop – Hong Kong Mixes’. To see the video, search for ‘U2 * Pop - Hong Kong Mixes (Early Takes from 1996)’.

 

There was also a clothing brand in Hong Kong named U2 which rebranded – along with other brands in the stable - in 2007 to G2000.

 

Being part of the Irish Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong comes with plenty of everyday perks, from discounted fares and extra baggage with Turkish Airlines to access to group medical cover through INLE Risk Management and insurance savings with Lifestyle Insurance.



Members also enjoy preferential wholesale pricing on first‑time gold and silver purchases with Precious Metals Asia, preferential FX rates with Airwallex on up to HK$100,000 fee‑free (terms apply), and a little e‑VIP pampering at Kildare Village.

If your membership is due for renewal or if you are thinking of joining, check out our website to sign up now.

 

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, 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.

Our WhatsApp group provides members with an easy way to stay updated on the latest Chamber news, events, and updates.