ýÿThe Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY), Ms Maisie Ho, reinforced  the bilateral ties between Hong Kong and Boston, Massachusetts of the United States in business, education and culture during her duty visit to Boston where she met with local government officials, as well as business, education and community leaders.
      
     In her meeting with officials from the Mayor's Office of Boston today (June 10, Boston time), Ms Ho gave an update on the latest developments in Hong Kong. She discussed issues of mutual interests with the Senior Advisor for Partnerships, Mr Stephen Chan; the Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, Mr Segun Idowu; and the Deputy Director of Global Affairs and Protocol, Mr James Colimon.
      
     Earlier on the day, Ms Ho met with local biotech start-ups and venture capitalists at a luncheon, co-hosted by the HKETONY and the Boston Chinese Investment Club under the theme of "Exploring biotech opportunities in Asia through Hong Kong", where she highlighted Hong Kong's immense opportunities and policy roadmap in becoming the health and life science hub of Asia , which premised on the city's advantages as an international financial centre, excellent research capability and talent pool, as well as its unique "super-connector" role to Mainland China and Asia.
      
     During the day, Ms Ho also met with executives from Boston University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology to deepen ties in academic collaboration and student exchange. She also gave an overview of the various talent admission schemes that provide ample career opportunities for graduates of these higher institutions. 
      
     Yesterday (June 9, Boston time), Ms Ho officiated at the eye-dotting and opening ceremonies of the Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, kicking off the celebration of the 45th edition of this oldest dragon boat festival in the United States, which the HKETONY has been the naming sponsor for.
      
     About 2 000 paddlers from 68 teams took part in this year's races, which attracted over 20 000 spectators to join in the festivities. Aside from cheering on the paddlers competing on Charles River, the spectators were also treated to cultural performances, showcases of lion dance, dragon dance and tai-chi, as well as arts and crafts displays and delectable Asian cuisine. One of the crowd favourites was the HKETONY booth with Hong Kong-themed games and souvenirs. 

Ends/Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Issued at HKT 15:05

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