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The Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr. Donald Tong today (May 28, San Francisco time) concluded his first official trip to Seattle.
During his two-day visit in Seattle, Washington, Mr. Tong met with the Honorable Sam Reed, Secretary of State of Washington, Mr. Paul Isaki, Director of Economic, Business & Trade Development, Port of Seattle and other government officials. He also visited the Port of Seattle, National Bureau of Asian Research and University of Washington.
At a business luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong Association of Washington and the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle, Mr. Tong said that Hong Kong has preserved her staunch commitment to free trade. ˇ§Just this month, Hong Kong ranked second behind the US in a global competitiveness report released by the International institute for Management and Development. The rankings illustrate the strength of Hong Kongˇ¦s fundamentals and its competitive spirit.ˇ¨
In addressing the current economic crisis, Mr. Tong said that the government has adopted a strategy of stabilizing the financial system, preserving and creating employment, and supporting enterprises. ˇ§So far, we have earmarked roughly US$ 9 billion, equivalent to 4.2% of our GDP, for various economic relief measures,ˇ¨ he said.
While addressing the economic crisis, Hong Kong continues to leverage its core advantages and exploit new areas of development. A new cruise terminal at the old Kai Tak airport site with the first berth to be commissioned in 2013; a 100-acre cultural hub project will be completed in 2015, are among some of the new developments.
In addition, Mr. Tong spoke at the gala screening of ˇ§Beast Stalkerˇ¨ at the Seattle International Film Festival. Addressing a full house of audience, Mr. Tong said that film production has a long history in Hong Kong. This year marks the first centennial celebration of Hong Kongˇ¦s film industry.
ˇ§For decades, Hong Kongˇ¦s artistic landscape has been shaped by the creative influences of Eastern and Western cultures. This cross-fertilization has placed the film industry at the forefront of Hong Kongˇ¦s creative exploration. It has played a crucial role in spurring technological innovation, promoting a distinct cultural narrative and positioning the city as a global entertainment center,ˇ¨ Mr. Tong concluded.
Ends/Friday, May 29, 2009
Issued at HKT 09:03
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