CE's speech at opening ceremony of Lifestyle Expo in Mumbai (English only)(with photos/video)

CE's speech at opening ceremony of Lifestyle Expo in Mumbai (English only)(with photos/video)
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     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the opening ceremony of Lifestyle Expo in Mumbai, India today (October 28):

Minister Darda, Chinese Consul-General Niu, Governor Huang, Mr Lam, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     A warm welcome to you all to this "Lifestyle Expo in Mumbai."

     Hong Kong and Mumbai are often regarded as economic miracles in Asia.

     Our cities have evolved rapidly to become international business and financial centres.

     Our people enjoy a high quality of life, which in turn attracts overseas talent and investment and creates more opportunities.

     I am delighted that this Expo showcases the creativity of Hong Kong designers and the way they have responded to lifestyle changes in our part of the world.

     Of course, Hong Kong's economic progress has been closely intertwined with the extraordinary developments and achievements in the Mainland of China over the past three decades.

     I am particularly pleased that this Expo is a collaboration between Hong Kong and our friends in our neighbouring province of Guangdong. Indeed, it is the first such collaboration between Hong Kong and Guangdong in India, although I am sure it will not be the last.

     Similar joint product expos in Poland and Hungary proved to be highly successful. They bring together the lifestyle design and fashion prowess of Hong Kong and the production power of Guangdong, the world’s manufacturing centre.

     The close relations between Hong Kong and Guangdong got a further boost earlier this year with the signing of the Framework Agreement on Hong Kong-Guangdong Co-operation.

     Under the Framework Agreement, we will be able to accelerate the flow of talent, capital and ideas and further break down barriers to cross-boundary trade.

     This Expo is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs here in Mumbai to network with their counterparts from Hong Kong and Guangdong and take advantage of the exciting developments in our neck of the woods.

     Trade between Hong Kong and India is moving very much in the right direction, following the global economic downturn.

     In the first eight months of this year, the value of our total bilateral trade grew nearly 43 per cent, compared to the same period last year.

     And in 2009, more than eight per cent of total trade between India and Mainland China was routed through Hong Kong.

     Last year, Hong Kong was India's 10th largest trading partner and 6th largest export market.

     I'm confident that "Lifestyle Expo in Mumbai" will open up even more opportunities for trade and business co-operation between us.

     This Expo features the lifestyle products of over 160 quality suppliers from Hong Kong and Guangdong Province in four main categories, namely:

- electronics
- household products
- gifts and premiums
- and fashion and accessories

     Style, quality, reliable service and good value has proven to be a winning combination for Hong Kong businesses for as long as anyone can remember. Combine this with India's fast-growing appetite for the latest lifestyle products and I am sure this Expo will be a great success.

     I wish you the very best of business at Lifestyle Expo in Mumbai.

     Thank you.

Ends/Thursday, October 28, 2010
Issued at HKT 21:10

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