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The Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr Donald Tong, welcomed the many growing ties between Hong Kong and Chicago, the largest city in the state of Illinois, at a Spring Reception on February 2 (Chicago time).
Affirming the strengthening of Hong Kong-Chicago ties, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, in a letter on the festive reception, commended the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), New York, for its commitment to enhancing the economic relationship between the two places.
Speaking at the spring reception, Mr Tong noted that companies from the US form the largest contingent of foreign companies in Hong Kong, totalling 1 330, while over 60 000 Americans live in Hong Kong and more than one million Americans visit the city each year. The US exported over US$26 billion worth of goods to Hong Kong in 2010, and exports to Hong Kong grew even faster in 2011, exceeding US$33 billion in the first 11 months.
Both Mr Tong and Director of HKETO, New York, Miss Anita Chan, thanked the Mayor for his warm and encouraging congratulatory messages. Also speaking at the reception, Miss Chan said growing Hong Kong-Chicago ties were reflected in the daily Cathay Pacific non-stop direct flights between the two cities. The airports of both cities - Hong Kong International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport - became officially recognised as sister airports in 2011. Furthermore, she noted, even Hong Kong's 40 millionth visitor was a Chicagoan, helping Hong Kong break its own tourist visitor record last year.
The Spring Reception, held at the Chicago Cultural Centre, was organised by the HKETO, and co-hosted by the Hong Kong Business Association of Midwest. As part of the programme to celebrate the Lunar New Year, the HKETO also screened the movie "Crossing Hennessy" to a full-house audience of 300 guests.
The event in Chicago was the second in a series of spring receptions hosted by the HKETO to celebrate the festive occasion with stakeholders in various cities. There will be one in Atlanta on February 8 and another in Miami on February 9.
Ends/Friday, February 3, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:07
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