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Wine MOU with US states of Oregon and Washington unlocks new opportunities for industry (with photos)
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     The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in Wine-Related Businesses (MOU) between Hong Kong and Oregon and Washington states in the United States would help unlock new opportunities for the wine industry in the three places, the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism), Miss Yvonne Choi, said today (May 24).

     Miss Choi signed the MOU today with the visiting Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Ms Katy Coba. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau, witnessed the signing ceremony.  The Oregon Governor's Chief of Staff, Mr Chip Terhune, and the Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce and Industry), Mr Christopher Wong, were also present.

     Speaking at the signing ceremony, Miss Choi said the wine agreement was Hong Kong's first trade agreement with Oregon and Washington states. While opening up exciting avenues for the wine industry in the respective places, the MOU also signified a new chapter in bilateral relations between Hong Kong and Oregon and Washington, she said.

     Under the MOU, the three places will strengthen co-operation in promoting wine-related trading, tourism, investment, education and the fight against counterfeits.

     "We  welcome wine companies from Oregon and Washington to take advantage of Hong Kong's prime location, business friendly environment and low tax regime to discover their niche in the booming wine market in Asia and particularly on the Mainland of China," Miss Choi said.

     With a knack for trade promotion, Hong Kong presented an ideal platform for companies from the two states to market their boutique wines to Asian clients, she added.

     Miss Choi noted that a number of trade promotion opportunities were available in Hong Kong in the coming months, including the Wine and Dine Festival in October and the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair in November.

     "I hope more wine merchants from the Pacific Northwest will join these exciting events," she said.

     Oregon and Washington are among the five largest wine producing states in the United States.

Ends/Monday, May 24, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:51

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