Young US entrepreneurs back youth exchanges at Hong Kong summit

Participants in the 2026 China-U.S. Young Entrepreneurs Delegation Beijing-Hong Kong Tour pose for a photo at the third Youth Development Summit – Hong Kong, Nov. 7, 2026. [Photo courtesy of the Chinese Young Entrepreneurs Association]

Young U.S. entrepreneurs at the third Youth Development Summit – Hong Kong on Nov. 7 highlighted the value of bringing young people together to build connections, exchange ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The entrepreneurs were part of the 2026 China-U.S. Young Entrepreneurs Delegation Beijing-Hong Kong Tour, held from Oct. 31 to Nov. 8. Organized by the Hong Kong-based Chinese Young Entrepreneurs Association, the tour was led by Clarence Ling Chun-kit, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and founding chairman of the association.

The program follows a plan announced by China this year to invite 100,000 young Americans to visit China for exchange and study programs over the next five years.

For many participants, the summit offered an opportunity to reflect on the role of young people in shaping the future and the importance of fostering connections across borders.

"I think this forum has been a very enlightening experience. Young people are being recognized and appreciated for what they can accomplish and contribute to society," said Jose Luis Lemus Leonard, CEO of IBEX.

He said continued efforts to support youth development and promote cultural exchanges, both at home and abroad, would be key drivers of innovation and future progress.

Bringing young people together also helps break down perceived barriers between countries, enabling them to discover common ground and build relationships that can lead to meaningful collaboration, he added.

"This is my first time in China. I find the country very welcoming and beautiful. There are wonderful people and wonderful experiences," he said.

Markieta Lachelle Byrd, vice president of technology at United Talent Agency, said it was encouraging to see young people coming together with government support.

"Young people are really our future. If you give them opportunities, they'll be able to do more for their country, and the future will be more secure," she said.

She also highlighted the role of exchanging ideas in strengthening cooperation and driving innovation, saying that collaboration between the two countries could create more opportunities and help make the world a better place.

Aaron Faugstad, CEO and co-founder of Precordia Medical, emphasized the importance of bringing young people from both countries together to share their experiences and innovative ideas.

Whether through exchange trips or forums like the summit, such opportunities can help build lasting connections, he said. Such interactions need not take place in professional or academic settings, he added, as even informal activities can help young people recognize their shared humanity and common aspirations.

Andy Ta, co-founder of Axia Creative Agency, said the tour had already proved valuable in helping participants connect with people from different countries, even in a relatively short time.

He also stressed the importance of experiencing China firsthand rather than relying solely on information found on social media.

"I came to China when I was 8 years old, and I was here six months ago," he said. Being in China and witnessing its development had given him a fresh perspective, he added.

For Eshrat Oyeshee, a partner at Joint Custody LLC, one of the highlights of the visit was learning about initiatives and policies supporting youth development, many of which she had not previously known about.

"This is my first time in China. I'll be bringing back a lot of new knowledge, and I'll be able to share it with my community and network," she said.