FS' speech at Chinese New Year Night Parade (with photos/video)

FS' speech at Chinese New Year Night Parade (with photos/video)
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     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the 2010 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade in Tsim Sha Tsui tonight (February 14):

Distinguished Guests, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,

     Kung Hei Fat Choy！

     I am pleased to join you all on the first day of the Lunar New Year.  And let’s not forget Valentine’s Day.  We celebrate festivals from both the East and the West here in Hong Kong – and today we are fortunate to have a two-for-one deal.

     I hope you all enjoy the exciting New Year Night Parade this evening, which is organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board.  On behalf of the people of Hong Kong, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our visitors from around the world.

     Now in its 15th year, the Night Parade will again present a spectacular cultural pageant with dazzling floats and amazing performances.  As well as ringing in the Lunar New Year, the Parade also marks the start of a series of colourful festivities this year, which has been designated as “Festive Hong Kong 2010”.

     Throughout the Year of the Tiger, we will bring our city’s unique blend of East and West to the world stage.  Although the Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, is our most important annual festival, we also have the dragon boat festival, bun festival and mid-autumn festival as well as a number of other local and international cultural events to look forward to.  It is all part of our cosmopolitan appeal that helps Hong Kong stand out as Asia’s world city.

     And don’t forget the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai this summer.  Hong Kong will have a strong presence at the Expo.  So come and visit our Pavilion in Shanghai.  I also hope you will return and visit us here in Hong Kong again soon.

     I wish you all happy, healthy, prosperous and, of course, festive Year of the Tiger.

     Thank you.

Ends/Sunday, February 14, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:29

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