HKETO, Brussels opens year of 20th Anniversary celebrations with Chinese New Year events (English only) (with photos)

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     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) launched a year of celebrations in Europe to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) by hosting a Chinese New Year reception in Milan, Italy, on January 25 (Milan time) and a Chinese New Year luncheon in Dublin, Ireland on January 27 (Dublin time).

    The Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Lam, said this was a milestone year for Hong Kong.

     "In this unprecedented journey, Hong Kong has gained valuable experience making complementary use of the double advantage of the 'one country' and the 'two systems' arrangement, she said.

     "We have benefited greatly from the vast opportunities that have arisen, and are still arising, from the opening up and blooming of China's economy, with our social and cultural ties to the Mainland and preferential access to the China market.

     "At the same time, Hong Kong has facilitated China to expand its business worldwide with our unique niches as an international city renowned for our free movement of trade, capital and information, the rule of law, as well as a simple and low tax regime. We take pride in serving as the 'super-connector' between the Mainland of China and the rest of the world."

     Ms Lam said Hong Kong is widely recognised as one of the best and easiest places in the world to do business. Among Hong Kong's many core advantages, the ability to continue to adapt to new circumstances and seize new economic trends has certainly contributed to its success story.

     The HKSAR Government is supporting the growth engines of today and the future, such as innovation and technology, start-ups and financial technologies. Being the most important global financial and trading hub in China, Hong Kong is also playing a key and active role in China's visionary initiative Belt and Road Initiative.

     Ms Lam told over 200 guests in Milan she was delighted that Italy had once again been chosen to be the partner country of Hong Kong's Business of Design Week 2017, Asia's leading annual event on design, innovation and brands organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre. She said that in April, the Hong Kong Design Centre would take part in La Triennale di Milano, the Milan triennial exhibition of decorative arts and modern architecture, with a large pavilion that would showcase the talents of Hong Kong designers.

     In Dublin, Ms Lam told 130 guests she was pleased to note Ireland has secured a Renminbi Qualified Institutional Investor quota for Ireland to invest in securities in China. "We have a lot to offer to our Irish friends in this respect and are always ready to partner with our trade and business counterparts in Ireland to explore deeper into the China and Asia markets," she said.

     Musical entertainment at the luncheon in Dublin was provided by the Hong Kong Drum Ensemble, which played a selection of unique arrangements. The Ensemble was led by Mr Ronald Chin, who was released by courtesy of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra for this special European tour.

     The receptions in Milan and Dublin are the first of many Chinese New Year events HKETO, Brussels will be hosting or co-hosting in Europe's major cities. Next events will be held in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain; in Paris, France; in Brussels, Belgium; in The Hague, the Netherlands; in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg; in Lisbon, Portugal; in Venice, Italy; in Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece; in Bucharest, Romania; in Sofia, Bulgaria; and in Zagreb, Croatia.

Ends/Saturday, January 28, 2017
Issued at HKT 2:15

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Toasting the start of the Year of the Rooster at a Chinese New Year reception hosted by the Economic and Trade Office in Brussels in Milan, Italy, on January 25 (Milan time) are (from left) the Director, Italy, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Mr Gianluca Mirante; the Regional Director Europe of the HKTDC, Mr William Chui; the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Lam; and the President of the Italy-Hong Kong Association, Mr Mario Boselli.

The Economic and Trade Office in Brussels hosted a Chinese New Year luncheon in Dublin, Ireland, today (January 27, Dublin time). In the photo are (from left) the President of Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Mr Derry Gray; the Chairman of the Ireland Hong Kong Business Forum, Mr Liam Kavanagh; the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Lam; the Chief Executive Officer of Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Ms Mary Rose Burke; and the Regional Director Europe of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr William Chui.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels hosted a Chinese New Year luncheon in Dublin, Ireland today (January 27, Dublin time). Photo shows the Hong Kong Drum Ensemble, led by Mr Ronald Chin, performing at the luncheon.