************************************************************
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government held a Chinese New Year gathering in Seoul, Korea, today (February 28) to celebrate the Year of the Rat.
The gathering was attended by more than 100 government officials and business leaders from Korean enterprises as well as Hong Kong companies established in Korea.
In her welcoming speech, the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative, Mrs Jennie Chok, spoke on the latest developments in Hong Kong and the expanding business and economic ties between Hong Kong and Korea.
Apart from maintaining its traditional strengths and improving its business environment, Hong Kong is committed to building human capital in order to meet the needs of a knowledge-based economy and sustain its economic competitiveness, Mrs Chok said.
She also outlined Hong Kong's potential to develop into a regional education hub.
"We provide education opportunities in a cosmopolitan city with English being used as a medium of instruction, right at the door-step of the world's fastest-growing country," Mrs Chok said.
Turning to a number of schemes to attract talent from around the world, she said since 1997, Hong Kong had attracted over 200,000 high caliber individuals and professionals to come and live and work under various arrangements.
Mrs Chok also took the opportunity to highlight Hong Kong's role in co-hosting the 2008 Olympic Games by staging the equestrian events.
"Please come and witness the exciting Olympic spirit in Hong Kong in 2008, or just come any time to see and enjoy what our vibrant city has to offer," she said.
A mini-exhibition showcasing the Olympic equestrian events was also staged at the gathering.
Ends/Thursday, February 28, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:01
NNNN
