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The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Singapore, Mr Fong Ngai, today (May 22) received two delegations, namely one from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Bauhinia Cup Outstanding Entrepreneurs Association and another comprising interior design students of the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI).
The 24-strong delegation comprising senior executives from PolyU and representatives from the Association was briefed by Mr Fong on the HKETO's role and work and the economic outlook of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economies. Among the representatives of the Bauhinia Cup Outstanding Entrepreneurs Association were entrepreneurs from Mainland China with businesses in both Hong Kong and the Mainland.
Mr Fong said he was glad to see the efforts of the Association in exploring business opportunities in ASEAN. Hong Kong, as a "super-connector", can play a key role in Mainland companies "going global" through tapping the fast-growing ASEAN market.
"The Hong Kong-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement being negotiated would further enhance economic integration and trade growth in the region," he added.
Mr Fong also gave a briefing on HKETO's work and the development of ASEAN economies today to some 45 design students of the HKDI who were visiting Singapore on a study trip. Mr Fong said he was glad to see the students' interest in learning more about the development of Singapore's creative industry.
"More understanding and exposure to the growing design and creative industries in Singapore, and the rest of ASEAN, will surely broaden Hong Kong design students' horizons and creativity," he said.
"In a globalised world, knowledge about different cultures has become increasingly important, not only for design inspiration, but for one's personal and career development as well," he said.
The delegations were led respectively by the Vice President (Institutional Advancement and Partnership) of PolyU, Professor Angelina Yuen, and lecturers from the HKDI.
Ends/Friday, May 22, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:32
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