The Chinese Lunar New Year Reception 2026 marked a vibrant and inspiring start to the Year of the Horse, welcoming over 240 attendees from across business, government, innovation and the diplomatic community to the stunning surroundings of Grand Hôtel Stockholm.
Organised by the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Sweden in collaboration with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the evening celebrated both cultural tradition and the deepening economic ties between Sweden and Hong Kong.
With the Year of the Horse symbolising momentum, energy and forward movement, the reception set an optimistic tone for 2026, a year focused on accelerating collaboration, innovation and international growth.
Life Sciences Panel: Innovation Without Borders
A central highlight of the evening was a dedicated Life Sciences panel discussion, led by Lucy Robertshaw, bringing together Nordic companies actively working with or expanding into the Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area markets.
The discussion focused on:
• How Nordic innovation is finding fast-track opportunities in Asia
• Scaling health and MedTech solutions through cross-border partnerships
• Navigating clinical, commercial and regulatory pathways in Hong Kong
• The value of trusted ecosystems in de-risking international expansion
Panellists shared first-hand experiences of entering and growing within Hong Kong’s dynamic life sciences environment highlighting how collaboration between Nordic and Asian stakeholders is accelerating innovation from research to real-world impact.
The conversation reinforced Hong Kong’s role as a powerful gateway to Asia for life science companies looking to scale globally, while demonstrating the strength of Nordic expertise in MedTech, biotech and digital health.
A Platform for Stronger Sweden–Hong Kong Collaboration
With 240 participants in attendance, the reception created a powerful platform for new connections, strategic dialogue and cross-sector collaboration.
The evening also featured welcoming remarks and insights into Hong Kong’s evolving business landscape, alongside networking and celebrations that brought together leaders from multiple industries.
As the Year of the Horse begins, the message was clear:
2026 is about momentum, action and turning international collaboration into tangible growth.
Photo’s by Charlotte Brunzell
