On my first visit to Hong Kong in the 1990s, I was immediately struck by the city's vitality, pluralism and openness. From my backpacker hotel, I experienced a dynamic metropolis fueled by hard work and the free flow of ideas. Hong Kong felt upbeat and alive, a confident city ready to face anything. As an American, I felt at home in Hong Kong. Our common histories of openness and diversity have been the basis for a strong relationship for over 175 years. Hong Kong is home to 85,000 Americans, and almost 1,300 U.S. companies. Shared values and deep people-to-people ties created a firm foundation for friendship. Hong Kong became one of the world's most developed places precisely because it embraced free exchange, from goods and money to ideas and innovation.