By Business & Finance 
Pictured (L-R): Stephen Wong, regional director Europe, Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Liam Kavanagh, chairman of the IHKBF; Joe Costello, Minister for Trade and Development; Ronan King, former chairman of the IHKBF; Linda Lai, special representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union.
Liam Kavanagh, managing director of The Irish Times, has been named as the new chairman of the Ireland Hong Kong Business Forum (IHKBF). Mr Kavanagh replaces Ronan King, who has held the position since 2008.
Kavanagh was formally inaugurated at a lunch held in Dublin to celebrate Chinese New Year. The event was hosted by the IHKBF and Dublin Chamber of Commerce, and featured a keynote speech from Joe Costello, Minister for Trade and Development.
According to Kavanagh: “I am delighted to take up the position of chairman at such an exciting time for the Forum. Business links between Hong Kong and Ireland continue to strengthen, not least with the recent news that a consulate is to be opened in Hong Kong. Hong Kong acts as a key entry point to the Chinese mainland for Irish companies and a number of our leading firms are already doing business there. The new consulate will provide a vital stepping stone for Irish companies to do business in China and other burgeoning Asian economies. The food sector in particular offers considerable potential for Irish firms with a high demand for Irish dairy products. I look forward to helping to facilitate increased trade between Ireland and Hong Kong during my time as President.”
