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Hong Kong could be bracing for typhoon "Dim Sim" in the future, after the designation was added to the list of tropical cyclone names in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea this year. According to a statement published on Monday by the Hong Kong Observatory, "Dim Sim" was among nine new names introduced to the list, with others including "Koki", "Gaeguri", "Hebi", "Tomo", "Burapha" and "Hoaban". While "Koki" – which was proposed by Cambodia – refers to the name of a tree there, "Hebi" is the Japanese word for snake. The forecaster said the new names would replace nine old ones and that they were endorsed by the Typhoon Committee under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and the World Meteorological Organization. Names for tropical cyclones can be reused, but are retired if a storm incurs heavy casualties or economic losses, according to the Observatory. The retired names include "Trami" and "Kong-rey", a typhoon and a super typhoon in October 2024 that caused nearly 160 deaths and affected 9.6 million people. Other retired names include "Man-yi", "Usagi" and "Krathon". Since 2000, the committee's 14 members have been nominating names with local characteristics. The SAR's nomination of "Dim Sim" came after the Observatory adopted 20 reserve names for tropical cyclones following a public contest, with "Dim Sim", "Milktea", and "Tsing-ma" among the popular choices. Edited by Aaron Tam

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HK eyes logistics, finance role in Central Asia

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) is urging local businesses to seize the abundant opportunities in Central Asia, as Chief Executive John Lee set off to the landlocked region on Sunday with dozens of high-level business representatives. The delegation will first visit Kazakhstan before heading south to Uzbekistan. In an interview with RTHK ahead of the trip, Bruce Pang, TDC's Director of Research, said that the resource-rich region opens up new supply chain corridors for Hong Kong, while the city can offer its expertise in logistics, finance and technology. "Most of the Central Asian countries are looking to upgrade their logistics systems, facilities and capacity," Pang said, noting that Hong Kong companies possess the "know-hows, knowledge and talent pools" in this field. The SAR's capital markets are equally attractive to Central Asian nations — Pang noticed companies are utilising various facilities to raise funds in Hong Kong, including IPOs and the issuance of dim sum bonds. He highlighted a recent dual listing of a mining firm in Hong Kong and Astana stock exchanges, while there are reports that Kazakhstan's state railway operator is eyeing a debut in the SAR. On research and development, Pang believed Central Asia's ambitious plans for digitalisation and artificial intelligence align with Hong Kong's strengths. "Hong Kong will be one of the hubs for research and development powerhouses," he said, adding that the city's talent pools can help the region meet its technology and ESG standards. He also believed Central Asia can help Hong Kong better position itself in the changing global trade landscape. "In the past several years ... more companies are using Central Asia as a gateway," Pang explained, noting the region is becoming a critical transit hub for goods moving between the East and West. The SAR duty visit signalled a strategic pivot, he said, while the TDC encouraged the local business community to view Central Asia not just as a source of commodities, but as a frontier market for high-value services. Edited by Raymond Yeung

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Banking sector looks to fund Central Asia's boom

Bank of China (Hong Kong) said on Thursday the local banking industry is ready to act as a major financial services provider for Central Asia's booming economy. A senior executive from the lender representing the Hong Kong Association of Banks will join Chief Executive John Lee's delegation when he visits Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan next week. BOCHK deputy chief executive Stephen Chan, who's acting chairman of the Association of Banks, said the economies of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have exponential growth potential and are willing to seek external cooperation. Chan pointed out that both countries are advancing large-scale infrastructure projects in the areas of transportation and energy. As an international financial centre, the SAR can serve their long-term funding needs, he said. "Construction for highways and airports can span 20 to 30 years," he said. "The SAR's financial institutions can also provide various financing solutions, such as by arranging syndicate loans or issuing offshore bonds, to support the implementation of these projects." Chan noted that the SAR – being the world’s largest offshore renminbi hub – can also facilitate the use of yuan in cross-border trades and investment in Central Asia. “These services include the provision of offshore renminbi cash management and settlement service, as well as trade finance services and supply chain finance," he said. "It is fair to say that the demand spans all dimensions, from capital accounts to current accounts." Chan added that during the visit, the Association of Banks would seek to engage in exchanges with local government departments, financial institutions and businesses to gain a deeper understanding of the latest government policies and market demand there. Edited by Edmond Fong

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HKEX touts inclusivity in wooing Central Asia listings

Hong Kong's stock exchange operator says its proven track record of dealing with companies from non-common law jurisdictions makes the SAR an ideal location for Central Asian firms to raise funds. The stock exchange's diversified pool of liquidity, boasting an average daily turnover of HK$276 billion this year, should also attract firms seeking dual or secondary listings overseas, the bourse operator added. Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) CEO Bonnie Chan will be part of Chief Executive John Lee's upcoming delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Under HKEX's listing regulations, only issuers listed in the 20 recognised stock exchanges around the world may apply for a secondary listing in Hong Kong. Speaking to the press ahead of her departure on Sunday, Chan was asked if there are plans to recognise stock exchanges in Central Asia as well. "Definitely. We want to deepen our collaboration with not only stock exchanges and partners in Central Asia, but I would say, you know, broadly across the board," she said. "We want to make sure that we are a very accessible market when it comes to global companies wanting to explore accessing a deeper capital raising platform." Johnson Chui, HKEX's Head of Global Issuer Services, revealed he had recently returned from a week-long trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. He said the dual primary listing last year of mining firm Jiaxin International Resources in Hong Kong and Astana could set the tone for Central Asian enterprises looking to raise funds in the SAR. "Off the back of that, clearly it was taken notice by relevant parties and stakeholders in Central Asia," he said. "In my prior trip a couple of weeks ago, various entities have also raised questions and interest and really wanted to just increase their knowledge on the Hong Kong market, and how they could tap the market, whether it's through dim sum bonds or potentially dual listings." Chan added that while 40 percent of HKEX's daily turnover is attributed to technology shares, the exchange prides itself on its inclusivity and would do its best to connect capital with investment opportunities. Edited by Aaron Tam

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