The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) made a generous donation of HKD1 million to the GX Foundation in December 2023. On behalf of the Foundation, I would like to express once again our heartfelt appreciation. GX, which I initiated eight years ago in Hong Kong, aims to provide humanitarian aid to underdeveloped countries along the Belt and Road. It embodies the Belt and Road spirit of “Consultation, Joint Contribution, and Shared Benefits,” with a specific focus on “sharing” — ensuring that while the world witnesses China’s rapid development, we can also share the goodwill and good deeds of the Chinese people with communities around the globe.

As an organization funded entirely through private contributions, we are deeply grateful for the steadfast support from all sectors of society — CGCC among them — which has fueled our rapid growth over the years.

From a single focus to a multi-faceted humanitarian organization

Two years ago, when we received CGCC’s donation, GX operated only in five countries across Southeast Asia and Africa. Today, our presence has doubled to ten countries, extending further into Central America, the South Pacific, and Central Asia — marking a significant step toward global outreach.

The Foundation’s services have grown substantially. The number of free cataract-blind surgeries have increased from a cumulative 8,000 two years ago to over 28,000 today, a 3.5 fold rise. Including cataract blindness, GX now provides eight major categories of free medical and public health services.

The new categories have also achieved meaningful results. Our dengue fever prevention program has advanced significantly, and the Timor Leste project was published in The Lancet, demonstrating international recognition and the advancement of Chinese narrative. The Foundation’s vector control efforts have also expanded from mosquito-borne diseases to include flies.

The 2024 direct potable water initiative brought 100 Chinese-made nano-filtration water machines to Timor Leste, each providing about 4000 gallons of safe water annually. In 2025, the Foundation launched its disaster-preparedness program in Vanuatu, distributing around 5,000 disaster preparedness kits to enhance local resilience to natural disasters.

Youth engagement is another category of significant growth. Two years ago, the Foundation had reached 1,500 students through humanitarian education talks; today, the number has risen to 16,000. Nearly 100 young people from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and Taiwan have participated in field exchanges in partner countries, gaining firsthand experience in humanitarian work.

Small changes in daily life can be life changing

GX works across 10 countries across four continents to improve the most basic health conditions of vulnerable communities:

•     enabling elderly people who are cataract-blind to see the smiles of their beloved family members;
•     allowing villagers to safely drink clean water that will not cause illness;
•     ensuring kitchens are free from flies so meals can be consumed safely;
•     helping patients—both symptomatic and asymptomatic—infected with dengue fever receive early diagnosis through rapid test kits…

What may seem like ordinary, taken for granted in Hong Kong are, in these places, profound blessings that transform lives.

Across multiple time zones in the countries we serve, colleagues stationed in ten nations on four continents witness, every moment, grateful smiles and words of thanks in many languages. These moments are what motivate us to continue bringing the compassion and goodwill of the Chinese people to remote corners of the world.

Stepping into 2026, we have continued to move forward with purpose. On January 12, I together with Professor Chan Ying-yang, Emily, CEO of GX, met with the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, receiving recognition and support, particularly in the field of dengue prevention. The next day, we traveled to Rwanda to begin work in what may become the Foundation’s 11th project country. All these reflect the Foundation’s long-term goal: to become an internationally recognized humanitarian organization representing Chinese including Hong Kong values, contributing to global governance and international development cooperation.

A goodwill-driven brand for the “Belt and Road” initiative

The Foundation’s accomplishments are attributed not only to donors but also to the dual strengths of “One Country, Two Systems.” By working in diverse regions — from Mauritania’s deserts to Timor Leste’s mountains, Vanuatu’s coastal villages, and Honduras’ clinics — it has built a goodwill-driven brand for the Belt and Road initiative for international cooperation. As more Chinese people venture overseas, GX ensures that China is represented not only by commerce but also by charity.

This aligns closely with the mission of CGCC — “Connecting the world with the support of Mainland China and rooted in Hong Kong.” CGCC’s support strengthens GX’s ability to broaden Chinese humanitarian influence, for which I thank you again. We look forward to continuing this meaningful journey together.