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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), Sydney, held the first of the 2011 series of Chinese New Year receptions in Sydney today (February 9).
Welcoming the Governor of New South Wales (NSW), Professor Marie Bashir, and the NSW Attorney General, Mr John Hatzistergos, as well as all other guests, the Director of HKETO, Mr Steve Barclay, noted that Hong Kong and Australia enjoy close and long-standing personal, cultural, community and business relationships.
"We see eye to eye from many perspectives, in international trade, respect for the law, and respect for individual rights and freedoms. It is these many shared valuable criteria that ensure that we will, together, overcome the ups and downs of life that will inevitably occur."
Mr Barclay said that Hong Kong has features that will continue to attract Australian businessmen and visitors to its shores - a simple and transparent taxation system, freedom of the press, freedom of investment, freedom of the flow of capital and information, the widespread use of English, a common law system, a robust regulatory regime, an independent and fair judiciary, a non-corrupt and efficient government.
"Together these all add to our appeal as an international financial centre and the best gateway to China," said Mr Barclay.
"More than 1,500 Australian companies are now based in Hong Kong or have their representative offices there to make the most of these business opportunities."
The reception was co-hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Hong Kong-Australia Business Association NSW Chapter and Invest Hong Kong. HKETO (Sydney) will also organise Chinese New Year receptions in Canberra and other Australian capital cities including Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth as well as in Auckland, New Zealand.
Ends/Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:33
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