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Hong Kong's towering skyline will be one of the star attractions at this year's Chinese Lantern Festival in Auckland, New Zealand, with the creation of a dazzling lantern celebrating one of the world's most spectacular urban waterfronts.
The three-day festival - officially launched today (February 6, Auckland time) by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key – is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and has become one of Auckland's biggest annual events, attracting more than 200,000 visitors.
The lantern, more than six metres wide and five metres tall, will feature some of Hong Kong's landmarks and highlight the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office's (HKETO) support for the festival.
HKETO Director, Ms Lorna Wong, said today, "Hong Kong is known the world over for its skyscrapers that overlook one of the world's most magnificent harbours. The skyline of Asia's truly global city draws millions of visitors every year – including a growing number of New Zealanders - who enjoy the bustling daytime harbour views and the spectacular night time light extravaganza of the many waterfront buildings.
"The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is delighted to share Hong Kong's picturesque natural harbour with the people of Auckland through this special event celebrating Chinese New Year."
Ms Wong said the large number of visitors to the Auckland Lantern Festival also provided an excellent opportunity to promote Hong Kong as Asia's leading business and financial centre.
These included the new HKETO information hotline for New Zealanders: 0800 030 631 and a festival marquee providing information on visiting and doing business in Hong Kong.
"Bilateral trade increased by 10 percent in the first 10 months of 2008 over the same period in 2007 and we have seen a 27 percent increase in the number of visitors to Hong Kong from New Zealand over the past three years," Ms Wong said.
"The HKETO will continue to encourage greater trade ties with New Zealand over the coming years."
Ends/Friday, February 6, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:05
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