ýÿFollowing is the speech by the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Joe Wong, at the press conference of the French May Arts Festival 2024 today (March 13):
 
Mrs Drulhe (Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Mrs Christile Drulhe), Mrs Cheng (Co-chairman of the Board of French May Arts Festival, Mrs Mignonne Cheng), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning! It is my great honour to join you all at this press conference announcing this year's French May Arts Festival.

     Since its inception in 1993, French May has been bringing a wide range of arts and cultural programmes with rich French characteristics to the community, including exhibitions, performances, cinema, and gastronomy. These programmes not only underline the vibrant arts and cultural exchange between France and Hong Kong, but also offer great opportunity for our local talent. This year, French May celebrates its 31st year in Hong Kong. Over the past 30 years, it welcomed over 20 million visitors, and just last year alone added another 350 000. Hong Kong aside, it is undoubtedly one of the biggest French cultural events in Asia. Marvellous achievement! Congratulations! Let's give it a great round of applause.
      
     Hong Kong aspires to be the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. And Hong Kong sees a very busy arts and culture calendar year-round. Just this month, we have our Art March welcoming arts and culture, presentations from local and around the world. And I must thank French May for your staunch support in making our annual arts and culture calendar so very wonderful. Hong Kong is indeed very honoured to be the host city of French May for over 30 years in a row.   
      
     I would like to take this opportunity to thank the French May team, the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong, and all the organisations and individuals who helped bring this spectacular art and cultural festival to Hong Kong again. I wish French May 2024 another resounding success. Thank you.

Ends/Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Issued at HKT 14:15

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