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The Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office (Taiwan) (HKETCO) celebrated its first anniversary by holding a reception in Taipei today (May 15) attended by over 200 guests from various Hong Kong and Taiwan sectors.
Addressing the reception, the Permanent Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs and Director of the Hong Kong-Taiwan Economic and Cultural Co-operation and Promotion Council (ECCPC), Ms Chang King-yiu, noted that the establishment of the HKETCO marked an important achievement in co-operation between the ECCPC and the Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Co-operation Council.
"As the centre of local liaison, it is the mission of the HKETCO to establish friendships with various sectors with a view to promoting long-term economic and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Taiwan, introducing the Taiwan community to the unique culture and hospitality of Hong Kong, and rendering assistance to Hong Kong residents and businessmen as appropriate," Ms Chang said.
The HKETCO's Director, Mr John Leung, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the support provided by different sectors in Taiwan, enabling the work of the HKETCO to be carried out smoothly.
Mr Leung said that since the establishment of the HKETCO, in addition to building close connections with various government units and the business, commercial, cultural and academic sectors in Taiwan, the office has also provided substantial support for Hong Kong businessmen and visiting organisations.
"With the intensified exchanges between Hong Kong and Taiwan, we aim to promote even closer connections between the two places on the economic and cultural fronts, with a view to complementing each other and allowing both sides to reap the benefits," Mr Leung said.
With the tradition of the rule of law and freedom, an international market network, a favourable business environment and a strong pool of talent, Mr Leung noted that Hong Kong has attracted enterprises from all around the world.
"We encourage Taiwan enterprises to develop their Mainland and international markets by making use of Hong Kong's advantages," Mr Leung said.
Over the past year, the HKETCO visited companies in Taiwan's various cities and counties and organised specific trade forums to introduce them to Hong Kong's business environment. The HKETCO has already assisted a number of Taiwan enterprises, including a financial futures company, book store, cafe, art gallery and a veterinary practice to set up their business in Hong Kong.
On the cultural front, the HKETCO assisted the Hong Kong-Taiwan Cultural Co-operation Committee in organising the first Hong Kong Week in Taipei last year and jointly organised the "Taste of Hong Kong" gourmet art exhibition with the Hong Kong Tourism Board in April this year. Both events were well-received by the Taiwan community.
In addition, the HKETCO also supported Hong Kong art groups and performers in conducting cultural performances and exchanges in Taiwan, and provided sponsorships for a number of major cultural and festive events in northern, central and southern Taiwan.
Mr Leung added that the HKETCO published today a booklet titled "Hong Kong Heritage Walk", with details of the revitalisation of 12 historic buildings in Hong Kong, to promote in-depth cultural tourism to the Taiwan community.
"Hong Kong Heritage Walk" will be distributed at the HKETCO free of charge from today. Enquires about the booklet can be made at (886) 2 2720 0858 or enquiry@hketco.hk. The electronic version of the booklet will also be uploaded onto the HKETCO's website: www.hketco.hk.
Looking ahead, Mr Leung said the HKETCO will continue to work with various sectors to foster closer bilateral co-operation between Hong Kong and Taiwan and develop an even better relationship between the two places.
Ends/Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:58
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