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Hong Kong continued to thrive under the successful implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems", the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, Ms Monica Chen, said today (June 27, New York time) in New York.
Speaking to a gathering of distinguished guests to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Ms Chen said Hong Kong maintained a high degree of autonomy and remained vibrant and dynamic.
"More and more business enterprises have been leveraging on Hong Kong as the premier gateway to mainland China. They are also coming to Hong Kong to capitalise on our strengths as an international business, trading and financial centre," Ms Chen said. "Nearly 4,000 overseas companies have located their regional operations in Hong Kong, including 900 from the US. And we see a significant increase in the presence of Chinese mainland investment in Hong Kong."
"Just in the past two years, among the many official and business delegations, our office has facilitated four Governors and two Mayors in their visits to Hong Kong. At the same time, senior officials and delegations from Hong Kong have come over to the east coast to meet with prominent government and business people."
Apart from promoting trade and economic ties, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York has also been bringing over different aspects of Hong Kong to the US audience on the east coast.
"The Hong Kong New York Dragon Boat Festival is the talk of the town each year. The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, the CCDC Dance Company and the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre have all enjoyed resounding success in New York," Ms Chen said.
Co-hosted with the Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, Miss Margaret Fong, the reception was attended by some 300 guests from the government, financial, business, academic, think-tank and media sectors. Renowned "face-changing" master Wai Shui Kwan also gave an impressive performance of the special artistry at the reception.
Ends/Thursday, June 28, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:00
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