The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, officiated at the opening ceremony of the Hunan Liaison Unit (HNLU) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government cum HKSAR 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner today (August 22) in Changsha, Hunan. The event signified the commencement of the full operation of the HNLU while also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR.
      
     Speaking at the gala dinner, Mr Chan said that the establishment of the HNLU will strengthen exchanges and co-operation on the economic, trade and cultural fronts between Hong Kong and Hunan. The HNLU can also provide services to better meet the needs of Hong Kong people working, studying and living in Hunan.
      
     Mr Chan added that with its geographical advantages and sophisticated transportation network, Hunan has progressed in developing industries such as intelligent manufacturing, innovation and technology, and cultural and creative industries. He said that Hong Kong enjoys dual advantages under the principle of "one country, two systems", and being a highly internationalised city with an open and free market, a robust legal system and a deep pool of professional talent, Hong Kong can assist Hunan businesses in attracting foreign investment and going global.
      
     Mr Chan also said that 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. To commemorate this occasion, the Mainland offices of the HKSAR Government are organising celebration activities in various provinces and municipalities. In Hunan, in addition to the gala dinner, a four-week exhibition on the 20th anniversary of the establishment of HKSAR will open next week at the Changsha Museum.
      
     Other key officiating guests at the opening ceremony of the HNLU cum HKSARG 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner today included the Executive Vice Governor of Hunan Province, Mr Chen Xiangqun; the Deputy Secretary-General of the Hunan Provincial Government, Mr Chen Zhongbo; the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan (WHETO), Miss Sara Tse; the Director of WHETO (Designate), Mr Vincent Fung; and the Director of the HNLU, Ms Helen Yip.
      
     Earlier today, Mr Chan called on the Executive Vice Governor of  Hunan Province, Mr Chen Xiangqun, to exchange views on enhancing co-operation between the two places. Mr Chan also visited the Changsha High-tech Industrial Development Zone and enterprises there, as well as a Hong Kong investment project in Changsha, and met with Hong Kong people doing business and working in Hunan.
      
     Tomorrow (August 23) Mr Chan will visit another Hong Kong investment project in Changsha before heading for Zhengzhou, Henan, in the afternoon.
      
     The HNLU was set up under the purview of the WHETO. Its office is located at Unit 3416, 34/F, Huayuan International Centre, 36 Xiangjiang Middle Road Section Two, Tianxin District, Changsha. Hong Kong people living in Hunan may contact the HNLU by phone at (86 731) 8227 5609 or by email at hnlu@wheto.gov.hk for assistance and enquiries.

Ends/Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Issued at HKT 21:33

NNNN