CE's speech at "Artistic Hong Kong" Reception and Exhibition in London (English only)(with photos/video)

CE's speech at "Artistic Hong Kong" Reception and Exhibition in London (English only)(with photos/video)
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     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at "Artistic Hong Kong" Reception and Exhibition in London today (September 12, London time):

Your Royal Highnesses, My Lords, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

     I am delighted to welcome you to the "Artistic Hong Kong" Reception and Exhibition in these elegant surroundings.  We are greatly honoured that Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess Michael of Kent can join us for this wonderful evening.

     Hong Kong owes much of its creative flair to its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, not least from the UK.

     The exchange and collaboration between our two arts sectors is strong.  As I speak, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum is showcasing a selection of iconic works of contemporary British art.

     Frequent performances by British artists and art groups enrich the tapestry of our arts scene.  Next year, "UK Now", a major festival celebrating British arts and culture managed by the British Council, will be held in China.  I am happy that some of the festival programmes will also take place in Hong Kong, which will further strengthen our cultural links with the UK.

     Hong Kong's arts and culture scene thrives on our free flow of information, freedom of expression and unfettered media.  We see great economic potential in developing Hong Kong's cultural and creative industries.  They create jobs and attract visitors.  Perhaps most important, these industries inspire new ideas and enrich the quality of life for all residents.

     Our main arts events include the Hong Kong Arts Festival, which celebrates its 40th anniversary next year. The 2011 Festival presented more than 280 performances including programmes produced by the Birmingham Royal Ballet and Hallé Orchestra.

     Next year, a Hong Kong theatre company will be part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, a cultural celebration for the London Olympic Games.  We are excited that Hong Kong will be able to add a Cantonese touch to this multilingual project of Shakespeare's Globe theatre.

     Hong Kong is perhaps best known for its films.  We rank first in Asia in terms of per capita film production.

     And last year, seven of the top 10 Chinese-language box office hits in the mainland of China were Hong Kong-Mainland co-productions, which underscores the opportunities for our film sector to grow in this huge market.

     Just a few days ago, a Hong Kong actress, Deanie Ip, won the Best Actress Award at the 68th Venice International Film Festival. She has a leading role in a film entitled "A Simple Life," which is a Hong Kong production based on a Hong Kong story. No simple achievement, I must say.

     To celebrate the success of our film industry, Hong Kong Film Week in London opens today and runs until Friday (September 16).  It has been organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in conjunction with Create Hong Kong and our Film Development Council.  It features five celebrated Hong Kong films and will include the international premiere of "Overheard II" as well as the award-winning "Echoes of the Rainbow" and the martial arts masterpiece "Ip Man".

     Finally, a quick plug for our West Kowloon Cultural District, a massive project underway on 100 acres of prime waterfront land in Hong Kong.  We are confident that this ambitious venture will help cement Hong Kong's credentials as a cultural and arts hub in Asia.

     The distinguished architect Lord Foster has devised the master plan for the project.  And the former Chief Executive of the Southbank Centre and the Sydney Opera House, Michael Lynch, will lead implementation of the project.  So, the project already has some strong UK and international links.

     Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted that the "Artistic Hong Kong" exhibition is showcasing our city's creative talent here in London, one of the world's great capitals of culture.

     I look forward to the fruits of future collaboration between Hong Kong and Britain in developing the arts.

     Thank you all very much for your hospitality and have a great evening.

Ends/Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Issued at HKT 04:01

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