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Following is the speech delivered by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, at the opening ceremony of Hong Kong's EuroChristmas today (December 15):
Mr Hardy, Mr Ting, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me very great pleasure to join you at the opening of Hong Kong's EuroChristmas. I believe all of you will agree that Hong Kong is most fitted to play host to this first ever European Christmas fair in Asia. Indeed, that was my instant response when Mr Erwin Hardy, Chairman of the Organising Committee, first raised this idea with me two years ago. I am most grateful to Mr Hardy and to members of the Organising Committee for steering the project and securing support from both local and European business partners. I know you all work extremely hard. I would also like to thank all European consular missions and chambers of commerce, business sponsors, the Tourism Commission, and the Hong Kong Tourist Association for bringing this wonderful event to life in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong and Europe have for many years enjoyed very strong trade links and close human and cultural ties. The European Union is our third largest trading partner in the world. Within our local community, there is also a widely shared appreciation of and admiration for European history and culture. We have a large European community who have established business here and have virtually made Hong Kong their home in Asia. Such close links have been made possible by the frequent exchange of visits by business travellers and tourists. The in-principle agreement of the Justice and Home Affairs Council of the European Union to grant visa-free access to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders will further enhance Hong Kong's social, economic and tourism ties with Europe.
Hong Kong's EuroChristmas has successfully brought in over 100 operators from Austria, Germany, Italy and the Nordic countries. At their booths, you can expect to find a variety of traditional Christmas merchandise and original handicrafts that have never been seen before in Hong Kong. Visitors will also be able to see how Christmas is celebrated in different European countries, sample authentic European cuisine, and enjoy special entertainment in a snowy winter setting. The organiser has made every possible arrangement to ensure that you will be immersed in a unique festive environment. So, this year you need look no further than Hong Kong's EuroChristmas at the Expo Promenade to experience a "White Christmas".
The Hong Kong Tourist Association has been working very closely with the travel and tourism industry in promoting Hong Kong's EuroChristmas overseas. And I am confident that this unique blending of traditional European festive atmosphere with Hong Kong's cosmopolitan and dynamic attractions will reinforce our status as one of the most favoured tourist destinations in the region. The number of in-bound tourists has increased steadily since the beginning of this year. The launching of this signature event will create renewed impetus to the growth of in-bound tourism and sustain the healthy growth well into the New Year.
Through participation in this event, I believe that our friends and partners from Europe will have a much better understanding of the business potentials Hong Kong has to offer. I am sure the event will help open the doors even wider for future exchanges in economic and cultural activities. I very much hope that every participant in the event, particularly those who have sacrificed time with their families to share the European Christmas traditions with Hong Kong, will find this a rewarding and enjoyable experience. What you have done will be deeply appreciated by the many children and families to whom the Organising Committee has dedicated this event.
Finally, I hope you will all have a wonderful time at Hong Kong's EuroChristmas. Have fun, and Merry EuroChristmas to you all! Thank you.
End/Friday, December 15, 2000
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