*********************************************************
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO), launched its series of events to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a high-profile reception at the Whitehall Banqueting House in London on February 20 (London time).
Making her first major speech at the Chinese New Year reception in London, the new Director-General of the London ETO, Ms Erica Ng, talked to 700 guests that Hong Kong's rich and historical links with the United Kingdom (UK) make it an ideal partner for Britain in Asia.
Ms Ng said, "More than 15 years since the return to the motherland, Hong Kong has been thriving under the 'One Country Two Systems' principle. We have preserved and expanded our core strengths, such as the rule of law, freedom of speech, level-playing field for all businesses, corruption-free environment, simple and low tax regime, and excellent connections with Mainland China and Asia."
"We have full employment, a budget surplus of three billion pounds, and we are one of only two economies in Asia that has a triple A credit rating. We have been voted the world's freest economy for 19 consecutive years and we are the second largest recipient of foreign direct investment in Asia, just behind Mainland China," she added.
Urging UK businesses to take advantage of Hong Kong's superb linkages with Mainland China and Asia, Ms Ng pointed out areas of co-operation with the UK in trade, finance, legal services, arts, culture and education.
Ms Ng also outlined how Hong Kong intends to build on its success, describing some of the major initiatives announced by the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Mr C Y Leung, in his Policy Address this January.
These initiatives include: expanding economic and trade relations with established and emerging markets; taking maximum benefit from the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, Hong Kong's free trade agreement with Mainland China; setting up a new ETO on the Mainland in Wuhan; deepening and expanding Hong Kong's industries; pushing ahead with large-scale infrastructure projects; and improving air quality to make a better quality of life for its citizens.
The reception also featured a spectacular traditional lion dance and Chinese music.
Earlier this month, the London ETO participated in the annual London Chinatown Chinese New Year celebration, said to be the biggest CNY event outside Asia, with more than half a million people attending. London ETO took part in this mega celebration by creating "Hong Kong in London Chinatown" and sponsoring a stage in Chinatown where local performers delighted the crowds.
In addition to the reception in London, the London ETO will be celebrating the Year of the Snake in other countries under its purview, with events in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Russia and Sweden in March.
Copies of Ms Ng's speech can be found on our website www.hketolondon.gov.hk .
Ends/Friday, February 22, 2013
Issued at HKT 01:41
NNNN
