Hola Hong Kong, Macau

The Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is eyeing expansion opportunities in Macau, Hengqin, and beyond in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Chamber head Yamilette Cano is bridging business and culture, riding the wave of ever-closer ties between China and Latin America, and positioning the SARs as key connectors

When Yamilette Cano arrived in Hong Kong in 2008 to study International Relations at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, she may not have imagined that she would one day go on to lead the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in the city. Today, she is not only a driving force behind the Chamber’s expansion but also a key advocate for Latin American entrepreneurs across the GBA.

Initially involved through Maya Events—a company she co-founded—Cano supported the Chamber in its early days by organising cultural gatherings, including popular Latino parties. “After Covid, we recognised that focusing solely on the Mexican community was limiting,” Cano explains. With about 500 to 600 Mexicans living in Hong Kong, the Chamber decided to open its doors to the broader Latin American population. “There are many Latin Americans here without official representation, and our platform could serve them too.”

Reaching out to Macau

This evolution gave rise to initiatives such as Latin Kaleidoscope, a festival celebrating Latin American culture through food, innovation, and business, and a new approach centred on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Chamber is now home to a dynamic network of SMEs. “We value large corporations, but fewer of them means more room for SMEs to shine,” says Cano.

Cano sees this work as part of a broader momentum linking Latin America with Asia, particularly through the GBA. “Asia is geographically distant, but we’re connected in many ways—through culture, innovation, and values,” she says. Macau, with its Portuguese heritage and links to Brazil, is a natural bridge. Cano believes that initiatives such as Latin Kaleidoscope could easily extend to Macau—or even Hengqin, where the Macau SAR Government plans to establish a centre for linkages with Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries.

“I do see the Chamber increasing its presence in Macau with these new initiatives.”

Climbing up the value chain

Beyond cultural exchanges, the Chamber is also forging strategic partnerships. Recent collaborations include a memorandum of understanding with the Mexican Chamber in Singapore and joint efforts with Invest Hong Kong’s offices across the Asia-Pacific region. “We want businesses to see Hong Kong as a springboard to the region—and Latin America as a gateway to both North and South America.”

Mexico itself is evolving. While it has long been known as a manufacturing hub, Cano points to new developments in technology, logistics, and supply chain modernisation. Cities like Querétaro are becoming industrial hotspots, attracting global players from Asia and North America. “We want the world to see Mexico not just as a factory, but as a partner in innovation,” she says.

Even in soft power, Mexico is making its mark. “We’ve just been ranked one of the top three destinations for food and one of the friendliest places on earth,” she adds with a laugh. “Friendly people, diversity, and open spaces—some say it’s great for reducing stress!”

SME platform

One of the Chamber’s most ambitious projects is a digital directory aimed at mapping Latin American businesses in Hong Kong. Launched in June, the initiative will serve consulates, entrepreneurs, and newcomers alike—offering a practical tool for networking, collaboration, and support. Cano estimates that the region may be home to as many as 6,000 Latin American SMEs and individual businesspeople, many of whom remain unaware of each other’s presence. “This will give us a comprehensive map of the ecosystem,” she notes.

As Latin American entrepreneurs become more active across the GBA, their shared values—resilience, creativity, and boldness—are becoming their greatest assets. “We’ve travelled far from home, so we have to make it work,” says Cano. “That spirit drives our SMEs, our events, and our growing community.”

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