OREANDA-NEWS. January 14, 2014. The Bank of East Asia (“BEA”) held a business seminar entitled “Economic and Market Outlook 2014”.

The event brought together experts from the academic, financial, and property fields who shared their views on the outlook for 2014 with more than 650 corporate and personal customers of the Bank.

In his opening address, Mr. Adrian M.K. Li, Deputy Chief Executive of BEA, noted that 2013 was a mixed year for the world economy, stating that “global GDP growth picked up, with the US economy gaining momentum, the eurozone appearing to have bottomed out, and Chinese growth holding up.” However, he also cited the US government shutdown over budget disputes and weakness in European leadership. Commenting on conditions in Hong Kong, Mr. Li said that “government policies have been largely effective in slowing property price appreciation, but elevated house prices now look vulnerable to a correction.”

Against this backdrop, BEA invited five guest speakers to share their knowledge and views on the economic outlook in 2014 and investment opportunities that lie ahead. Following the presentations, Mr. T.C. Chan, Senior Advisor to BEA, and Mr. Samson Li, BEA’s Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Investment Officer moderated a question and answer session. Attendees showed a particular interest in property market trends in Hong Kong and the Mainland, investment potential in A - shares, and the business opportunities provided by the Shanghai free -
trade zone, which opened in September 2013.

BEA holds events each year to keep corporate and personal customers abreast of the latest market developments. The “Economic and Market Outlook 2014” Seminar was  designed to provide customers with the market intelligence they need to refine their business and investment strategies for 2014.