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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY) hosted the first Hong Kong Day in Boston on May 6 (Boston time) as part of its 30th anniversary programmes. The Governor of Massachusetts, Mr Deval Patrick, gave a citation to the HKETONY to celebrate the office's 30th anniversary and in recognition of the contributions the office made to the trade partnership between Hong Kong and the state over the years.
Speaking at the reception, the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, Miss Anita Chan, said trade between Hong Kong and Massachusetts had risen dramatically over the last decade with export value from Massachusetts to Hong Kong rising by 86%. This made Hong Kong the 11th largest export destination for Massachusetts.
The Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr Donald Tong, said he wanted to see these numbers to continue to grow. "With an optimistic outlook for 1.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent economic growth in Hong Kong this year, we believe that Hong Kong will continue to be an important export destination for Massachusetts," Mr Tong said in his address.
On the recent explosions in Boston, Mr Tong expressed his sympathies to the victims and extended his condolences to their families.
"We share your prayers for the recovery of those grievously injured. The tenacity and resilience of your community were clearly demonstrated in the past few weeks," he added.
The event was co-hosted by the Representatives of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Mr Tackey Chan and Mr Donald H. Wong, and was attended by over 300 guests.
On the same day, Mr Tong and Miss Chan met the Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Mr Robert A. DeLeo, to exchange views on the latest developments between the two places.
Ends/Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Issued at HKT 10:15
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