The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is marking its 60th anniversary with a dual celebration that underscores its enduring role as a connector between Hong Kong and the world. An anniversary exhibition is on view at the Ground Floor Covered Piazza at Times Square in Causeway Bay, while a commemorative artwork is displayed at the eastbound tram stop on O’Brien Road in Wan Chai. Both displays run through mid- and late-October respectively, offering the public a chance to engage with the council’s history and future vision.
The exhibition reviews the HKTDC’s major achievements over six decades in helping enterprises expand into global markets and outlines its future development strategies. These include upgrading and optimising its operations and services, and strengthening its presence in high-growth markets such as Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and the Global South. A large screen shows highlights from anniversary events, including the Design Gallery on the Move mobile display, the Next 60 Forum, the 60th Anniversary Cocktail Reception, and a 60th Anniversary-themed Tram. A dedicated zone features historical photos and video footage. The exhibition layout reflects the HKTDC’s four major roles: Supertrader, Superconnector, Super Value-adder and Superpartner.
The community art component adds a local flavour. The HKTDC recently organised the Wan Chai Community Art Creation Workshop, where local artist Jane Lee (also known as Messy Desk) exchanged creative ideas with students and drew inspiration for a large-scale artwork commemorating the 60th anniversary. The students were joined by HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma and Executive Director Sophia Chong in painting scenes of Hong Kong’s economic and urban landscape. The resulting works have been brought together in an illustrated panel installation themed Hong Kong Trade · Connecting the World, now on show at the O’Brien Road Tram Stop.
The anniversary exhibition runs until 14 October, daily from 10am to 10pm. Visitors who check in at the venue and complete designated tasks will receive a 60th-anniversary souvenir, available on a first-come, first-served basis. The anniversary artwork is on display at the O’Brien Road (Eastbound) Tram Stop in Wan Chai until 29 October. Both events are open to the public.
The HKTDC’s milestone comes as it continues to promote Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. Established in 1966, the statutory body has over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland. It organises international exhibitions and conferences and business missions to create opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, and provides market insights through research reports and digital news channels.
The anniversary celebrations come at a time when Hong Kong’s trade promotion body is seeking to reinforce its relevance amid shifting global economic dynamics. By strengthening its presence in high-growth regions and continuing to support SMEs, the HKTDC aims to maintain Hong Kong’s competitive edge as a gateway between the mainland and international markets. The public displays not only commemorate past achievements but also signal the council’s forward-looking strategy, making the anniversary both a reflection and a launchpad.
