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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY) hosted Spring Receptions in Atlanta (February 25, Atlanta time) and Miami (February 26, Miami time) for local business, government and community leaders with a view to fostering closer trade ties in the Year of the Snake.
Speaking at the Miami Spring Reception, the Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr Donald Tong, lauded Hong Kong's growing ties with the US, pointing out that the US remains the single largest source of overseas companies in Hong Kong, with around 1,400 firms.
Moreover, quite a number of multinational companies which issued RMB Bonds in Hong Kong to finance their operations in China came from the US. "All these do not only prove the shrewd business acumen of the US entrepreneurs, but also bear testimony to the growing ties between Hong Kong and the US," Mr Tong said.
More than 150 guests attended the Miami Spring Reception, co-organised by the HKETONY, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Association of Florida (HKAFL). The event also served as the inaugural reception for the HKAFL, which was founded in July 2012.
Also speaking at the reception, Director of HKETONY Miss Anita Chan congratulated the newly established HKAFL, noting that it can help further promote ties between Hong Kong and Florida as well as Hong Kong and Latin America.
Miss Chan said trade ties between Hong Kong and Florida have been growing stronger over the years, with the value of goods export from Florida to Hong Kong registering a tremendous increase of 355% in the last decade. She also looked forward to welcoming a delegation from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, which will be visiting Hong Kong in April.
While in Miami, the Commissioner delivered a keynote presentation at the Hong Kong seminar organised by the HKAFL, highlighting closer business partnership between Hong Kong and Florida.
Around 200 guests from the private and public sectors from Atlanta, the state of Georgia as well as the neighboring state of Alabama attended the Spring Reception in Atlanta on February 25. It also coincided with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Association of Atlanta.
During his visit to Atlanta, the Commissioner called on the First Vice President of Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Ms Marie Gooding and met with the Vice President and Senior Economist of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Mr John Robertson. Mr Tong also held a meeting with the Commissioner of the Georgia State Department of Economic Development, Mr Chris Cummiskey. Mr Tong also spoke at Emory University, addressing 60 students and faculty on "Strengthening US - Hong Kong Partnerships".
Ends/Thursday, February 28, 2013
Issued at HKT 01:03
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