HKETO, Brussels promotes Hong Kong business opportunities and culture in Italy (English only) (with photos)
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The Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Alice Choi, outlined Hong Kong's business advantages, noting that 350 companies from Italy are among some 7 600 Mainland China and overseas companies already seizing opportunities in Hong Kong. The Italian companies in question span various industries and service sectors, including banking, food and wine, luxury goods, transportation, automotive manufacturing, trading and retail.
Underlining Hong Kong's simple taxation system with low rates, she said that one of the most exciting developments in this regard was the entry into force on August 10 last year of the avoidance of double taxation agreement between Hong Kong and Italy.
"This agreement will translate into considerable tax savings for you," Miss Choi told the audience of business people.
Foreign companies could benefit from Hong Kong's free trade agreement with Mainland China, the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, and from the Mainland's visionary Belt and Road Initiative.
Miss Choi also seized the opportunity of her visit to Salento to brief the representatives of local and regional authorities and business people on how Italian businesses can leverage on Hong Kong's "super-connector" role to expand or grow their business in Mainland China and Asia.
In the evening, HKETO, Brussels hosted a reception at the Salento International Film Festival. During the period of September 2 to 10, the Festival is screening 13 Hong Kong films curated by HKETO, Brussels' partner, the Hong Kong Arts Centre. The Hong Kong programme comprises:
* four Hong Kong feature films in the festival's "Hong Kong Cinema Panorama" category, namely Benny Chan's "The White Storm", Ann Hui's "A Simple Life", Emily Ting's "Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong" and Alan Yuen's "Firestorm";
* three short films, namely Oliver Chan's "Aloha" and "Children", and Lo Wai-lun's "Empty Space"; and
* six short animation films, namely Wilson Chui's "The Third Hand", Fergus Yip and Adrian Fu's "I'M", Nic Ho's "Behind the Schoolbag", Mak Siu-fung's "Disposition", Ray Wong's "Fishy" and Lam Ho-tak's "Shear Marks.
Miss Choi said that Hong Kong and Salento enjoy strong links, since the best of the Salento International Film Festival has been screened every year in Hong Kong for the past five years. The latest edition, held in Hong Kong in May 2016, was officiated by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, who thanked the festival organisers for their efforts in promoting cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Italy.
Ends/Friday, September 9, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:50
Issued at HKT 17:50
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