The first MoU, signed last Tuesday, was with media, events, indices and data platform CoinDesk to bring the company’s Consensus event to Hong Kong for three years between 2027 and 2029.
As part of the agreement, Consensus Hong Kong – which covers artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital assets – will be CoinDesk’s flagship conference in Asia for the global event brand.
“Consensus Hong Kong is far more than a major international industry event. It is an important platform for exchange, collaboration and new business opportunities,” said HKTB chair, Dr Peter Lam.
“We are delighted to establish a long-term strategic partnership with CoinDesk, making Hong Kong the continued home of Consensus’ Asian flagship event.
“This is a strong vote of confidence in Hong Kong from the global industry and underscores the city’s pivotal role as a ‘superconnector’ and ‘super value-adder’ between the country and the world.
“Bringing key stakeholders from the global fintech, Web3 and digital asset ecosystems to Hong Kong will help further sharpen the city’s competitive edge as an international innovation and technology centre, an international financial centre and the World’s Meeting Place.
“This partnership will draw more high value-added business visitors to Hong Kong, boosting our tourism, hotel, dining, retail and professional services sectors, among others, and further amplifying the economic benefits of the event.”
Consensus has already been held in Hong Kong in 2025 and 2026, with Consensus Hong Kong chair Michael Lau saying the event had received “an enthusiastic response from the industry”.
“With its international business environment, comprehensive infrastructure and connectivity to both Chinese Mainland and global markets, Hong Kong is a natural home for the event,” said Lau.
“As digital assets and AI increasingly converge, we are expanding next year’s programme to make AI a core theme alongside digital assets.
“Together with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, we look forward to welcoming more participants from around the world over the next three editions, fostering collaboration across both sectors and further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a leading hub for innovation and technology in Asia.”
Last Friday, HKTB also inked an MoU with Vinexposium, which delivers major trade events for the wine and spirits industries.
This second MoU, signed during the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, will see Vinexpo Asia call Hong Kong home for five years, from 2027 to 2031.
While the event is resident in Hong Kong, there are plans to expand its reach to create a citywide experience around the expo.
Prior to this new agreement, Vinexpo Asia has been held in Hong Kong every second year.
The [MoU signing] opens a new chapter in a collaboration founded on nearly three decades of mutual trust, deepening Hong Kong’s close ties with Bordeaux and the global wine and spirits market,” said Lam.
“Hong Kong’s role as the exclusive host city of Vinexpo Asia for five consecutive years not only reflects the confidence that international organisers and the global industry place in Hong Kong, but also reinforces the city’s position as Asia’s leading wine and spirits trading hub and the World’s Meeting Place.
“I am confident that the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival and Vinexpo Asia will complement each other, ensuring Hong Kong remains a key global hub for wine and spirits exchange, trade and experiences, promoting wine culture and boosting market interest, as well as fostering business exchange and supply chain support.
“By attracting both locals and high-value visitors, these two flagship events will generate broader economic benefits for the tourism, dining, hospitality and retail sectors.”
Said Bordeaux Gironde Chamber of Commerce and Industry elected member, Philippe Tapie: “By establishing Hong Kong as the annual home of Vinexpo Asia from 2027 through 2031, we are providing the continuity and certainty that businesses increasingly value, enabling producers, buyers and industry professionals to plan, connect and grow over the long term.
“This renewed partnership also creates exciting opportunities to strengthen links between the international wine and spirits community and Hong Kong’s vibrant gastronomy, hospitality and lifestyle sectors, opening a new chapter for Vinexpo Asia and the industry as a whole.”
