42 CCIP Hong Kong Students were blessed with the opportunity to visit the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York. As one of the permanent representatives of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, HKETO (NY) plays a critical role in preserving the economic and cultural solidarity between Hong Kong and the U.S.A.

The experience allowed students to glean into the workings of such a vital office. From organizing events to introducing the unique business environments and opportunities of Hong Kong to U.S investors, students were made aware that there was more to a position in the government administration sector then what they had previously assumed.

For students keen on a career as an AO, the speaker, Mr. Paul Cheung, Deputy Director of the HKETO (NY), was able to provide much insight through the sharing of his personal experiences. He related the triumphs of when relations were fortified between the two nations, as well as painted a realistic picture of the obstacles to be expected when a considerably smaller economy such as Hong Kong attempts to make its mark on a global giant such as the US.

Said SHEN, Xiangfei (CUHK), "While policy making has always been an area that I am interested in, knowing the possible challenges that comes with the job allows me to better prepare myself for this line of work."

In view of economies worldwide becoming increasingly interconnected, it was indeed a valuable opportunity for the students to hear a firsthand account of an international trade office's operations.