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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) joined hands with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) to host a culinary promotion in Paris today (June 23, Paris time).
The "Best of the Best" luncheon was held to inform French media representatives of the many delicious options for fine dining in Hong Kong, as well as Hong Kong's role as a regional wine trading and distribution hub.
Two Michelin-starred chefs, Mr Tim Lai from Hong Kong and Mr Pierre Gagnaire from France, prepared a delicious meal, which illustrated perfectly what Hong Kong has to offer.
In her welcoming remarks, Acting Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the EU, Ms Hinny Lam, said that one of the French and Hong Kong people have in common is a love of good food.
"In Hong Kong, not only can one find every regional variety of Chinese cuisine, but we are also one of the world's greatest centres for all kinds of international cuisine. You can try out cuisines from all over the world, and there are numerous choices of restaurants varying greatly in style and price range. You can even get a gourmet meal for a bargain price - just check out the latest Michelin guide on Hong Kong and you will find plenty of examples."
When it comes to food, one can think of pairing it with good wines. Ms Lam said that Hong Kong also provides a good platform for pairing wines with Asian cuisine. But our understanding of Asian dining and wining preferences is only one of Hong Kong's many strengths for wine-related business.
Since the Hong Kong Government removed all wine duties in February 2008 and introduced a number of supportive measures, the wine business has taken off in Hong Kong. Wine imports have soared. Many wine-related companies have opened or expanded their business in our city.
In 2010, Hong Kong overtook New York to become the world's largest wine auction centre, according to the industry.
Like many other businesses, the wine industry taps the advantages of Hong Kong as the gateway to the Mainland China, where increased prosperity and changes in lifestyle have led to a significant rise in the demand for wine.
Hong Kong's position as a world-class tourist destination was showcased at a booth set up jointly by the HKETO, Brussels and the HKTB at Bordeaux Fête le Fleuve (Bordeaux River Festival) on June 18 and 19. The riverside festival is held in alternate years to Bordeaux's wine festival, Bordeaux Fête le Vin (Bordeaux Wine Festival).
Hong Kong would also be the guest city of honour for the next edition of the Bordeaux wine festival, to take place from June 28 to July 1, 2012.
Ms Lam said, "Hong Kong is pleased to be invited as the guest city of honour for Bordeaux Fête le Vin in 2012. This reinforces Hong Kong's role as the wine trading hub for the growing markets in Asia.
"We bring wines from around the world to Asia and Mainland China particularly. For fine wines, Hong Kong connects Bordeaux with these growing markets. We have strong ties with Bordeaux, as cast in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two places signed in October 2008, and a supplemental one in May 2010.
Hong Kong has also signed a similar wine-related MOU with France in August 2008 and with Burgundy in October 2010.
"We look forward to fostering a closer partnership with Bordeaux and other parts of France in the promotion of wine trading, investment and tourism etc."
Wine selling and distribution in Hong Kong is a flourishing business. That complements Hong Kong's position as a key tourist destination. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council's annual event, the International Wine and Spirits Fair in early November, attracts tens of thousands of traders and visitors and the HKTB's International Wine and Dine Festival in late October is popular with local people and tourists alike.
Ends/Friday, June 24, 2011
Issued at HKT 05:30
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