HKETO Director rings closing bell at NASDAQ (with photo)

HKETO Director rings closing bell at NASDAQ (with photo)
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     Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Miss Monica Chen, rang the closing bell at the NASDAQ Stock Market today (August 3, New York time) as part of the festivities to celebrate the upcoming 19th Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York.

     Miss Chen said the festival in New York, the largest and one of the oldest in the United States, was started by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York in 1991. It has gone from strength to strength to become a fixture in today’s New York’s summer calendar.

     Speaking on Hong Kong’s status as one of the world’s financial centre, Miss Chen said, “Our sound fundamentals and strong infrastructures, be in finance or other areas, have made us one of the most competitive players in the global arena.

     Miss Chen said Hong Kong’s  development looked bright for the future. “Quite a few new initiatives have been put in place between the Mainland and us. Hong Kong is the first place outside of the Mainland authorised to conduct business in Renminbi.  Designated Hong Kong banks have started issuing Renminbi bonds since the beginning of this month, and there are more supplementary provisions under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), our own tariff-free pack with the Mainland.

     “Hong Kong will continue to offer the best of ourselves to our partners around the world," Miss Chen said.

     The 19th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York, to be held on Saturday and Sunday (August 8 and 9) at Meadows Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, New York, will see more than 150 dragon boat racing teams from across North America taking part. More than 50,000 spectators are also expected at the two-day event. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York is the principal festival benefactor for the Festival.

     More information on the NASDAQ Closing Bell ceremony can be accessed by visiting: (http://www.nasdaq.com/reference/200908/market_close_080309.stm).

Ends/Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Issued at HKT 11:13

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