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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) has continued celebrating the Chinese New Year in countries under its purview from March 5 to 20, introducing the Year of Snake according to the Chinese Zodiac, by holding events in eight cities in the Nordic countries and Russia.
The London ETO held Chinese New Year receptions in Moscow and St Petersburg, Russia on March 5 and 6 respectively; Helsinki, Finland on March 7; Oslo, Norway on March 11; Stockholm, Sweden on March 13; Copenhagen, Denmark on March 14; Bergen, Norway on March 19; and Lund, Sweden on March 20. In particular, the event in Bergen was the first-ever Chinese New Year celebration organised by the London ETO in that city with the aim of reaching out to more Norwegian companies.
The Chinese New Year receptions introduced to local businesses how they could benefit from business opportunities in Hong Kong as well as how they could take advantage of Hong Kong's position as the ideal gateway to Mainland China and Asia. Some receptions also featured dance and singing performances.
Key speaker at all of the events was Director-General of the London ETO, Ms Erica Ng. Ms Ng told guests at the events that, "more than 15 years since Hong Kong's return to China, Hong Kong has been thriving under the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle. We have preserved and expanded our core strengths, such as the rule of law, freedom of speech, level-playing field for all businesses, clean government, simple and low taxes, and excellent connections with Mainland China and Asia."
"We will work to help overseas companies take maximum benefit from the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement or CEPA, which is Hong Kong's free trade agreement with Mainland China. Under CEPA, overseas companies established in Hong Kong can qualify for tariff-free treatment when exporting goods to Mainland China."
In the Nordic countries, Ms Ng put specific emphasis on the environmental protection measures recently announced in the 2013 Policy Address and 2013-14 Budget as well as various infrastructure projects in Hong Kong, particularly the West Kowloon Cultural District project. Recognising Nordic countries' strengths in design, innovation, sustainable development and green technology, Ms Ng said all these initiatives would present opportunities for Nordic businesses and professionals.
In Russia, Ms Ng pointed out that bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Russia grew significantly by 26 per cent in 2012. She said that Hong Kong had agreed with Russia to negotiate an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and would strive for early conclusion of the negotiations. Highlighting Hong Kong's unrivalled advantages as a major international financial centre and the world's largest offshore Renminbi business centre, Ms Ng also encouraged more Russian companies to do business with and to raise capital in Hong Kong.
Another key speaker at some of the events was Regional Director, Europe of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Mr Stephen Wong. He described how overseas companies could benefit from business opportunities available in Hong Kong, and drew attention to the business ties between Hong Kong and the Nordic countries and Russia.
The Chinese New Year receptions were co-organised by the London ETO, HKTDC and local business associations, namely the Russia - Hong Kong Business Association, Finland - Hong Kong Trade Association, Norway - Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, Royal Sweden Hong Kong Business Council, Denmark-Hong Kong Trade Association and Bergen Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Ends/Saturday, March 23, 2013
Issued at HKT 01:57
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