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Following is a speech by the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Communities, Miss Mary Chow, at the Hong Kong Business Luncheon hosted by Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association on the occasion of the 75th UFI Congress in Istanbul, Turkey today (November 13):
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Hong Kong prides itself on providing one of the best possible environments for businesses and investors.
Earlier this year, Hong Kong was once again rated the 'World's Freest Economy' by the Heritage Foundation and the Wall Street Journal. This is the 14th year in a row that we have received such rating.
So what do we have to offer? First, our strategic location. We are the gateway to China and key Asian markets.
We offer excellent financial, legal and professional services, excellent infrastructure and communications.
There is free flow of information and people, capital and goods, and no import tax for exhibits.
Visitors from over 170 countries enjoy visa-free access to Hong Kong.
English is one of our official languages and is widely spoken in business.
The two-way flow of Mainland China and international exhibitors and trade show visitors make Hong Kong a strategic platform for global business facilitation.
Exhibitors and buyers also benefit from the efficiency of Hong Kong, and from our first-class exhibition venues and strong exhibition support services.
Every year Hong Kong hosts over 100 major exhibitions that attract some 800 000 international and Mainland visitors. Ten of the trade exhibitions are the largest of their kind in Asia or the world and 17 are UFI-approved events.
Our Government is fully committed to promoting the exhibition industry and to enhancing Hong Kong's appeal as a centre of excellence in the global growth of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) business. We have strengthened collaboration with a number of agencies - in particular the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association, all represented here today, to promote Hong Kong overseas.
In this regard, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council has just announced a US$15.5 million assistance package to help bring in more international buyers to its trade fairs and to support exhibitors.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board is launching today a new 'Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong' office to promote Hong Kong overseas as a MICE destination and provide one-stop support for event organisers. With its local and overseas network, the office will enrich the travel experience of MICE visitors to Hong Kong.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope you will come and see for yourselves what we have to offer as a MICE destination. Hong Kong never disappoints.
Thank you and enjoy your lunch.
Ends/Thursday, November 13, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:55
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