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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) held a reception in Berlin to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Snake on February 13. Over 200 guests joined the Director of HKETO Berlin, Mr Ivan Lee, and applauded the outstanding performance of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra.
Among the guests were State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, Mr Stefan Kapferer; Chinese Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. Shi Mingde; and Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Linda Lai, as well as other senior government officials, diplomats, the business community and the academia.
In his speech, Mr Lee expressed his hope that one prediction for the Year of the Snake would prove to be correct, "The Water Snake is a positive sign, with energy that can help us face all of the challenges ahead. It could give a boost to economic development and will be a good year for many trades, such as arts and creative industries, the green industry and the construction sector."
Mr Lee took the opportunity to look back on the celebrations of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and to highlight unique advantages of Hong Kong, "Hong Kong continues to be ranked among the top in different international surveys on economic freedom and competitiveness. Our fundamental strengths, including the rule of law, free flow of information and capital, deep pool of talent, low and simple tax system, have continued to provide a solid platform for our further development."
On last month's Policy Address of the Chief Executive of the HKSAR Government, Mr C Y Leung, Mr Lee highlighted some key initiatives, which would offer opportunities for closer co-operation between Germany and Hong Kong in areas such as improvement of air quality, waste management, as well as arts and culture. He encouraged German small and medium-size enterprises to make full use of Hong Kong's position as the gateway to China. "During the last two decades, the number of overseas companies with regional headquarters or regional offices in Hong Kong has quadrupled. It now stands at 4 000, easily the highest in Asia."
Mr Lee concluded by delivering some facts and figures on the bilateral relations between the two economies, "Germany remained our largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade amounting to some EUR 13.5 billion in 2012. Hong Kong is a service-oriented economy, and I am much encouraged to learn that trade in services between Germany and Hong Kong has also shown healthy growth, with transportation and financial services as the major service groups."
Founded in 1977 and an official cultural ambassador of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra presented six pieces of their repertoire which not only included traditional Chinese music but also contemporary works. Amidst an enthusiastic audience, the rousing gongs and drums of the opening song Wild Dance of the Golden Snake added to the celebratory and joyous mood of the evening.
About Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Berlin
HKETO Berlin is the official HKSAR Government representative in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany, as well as in Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.
Ends/Thursday, February 14, 2013
Issued at HKT 22:35
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