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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Toronto and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) jointly hosted a spring reception for the local media and business professionals in Toronto yesterday (February 25, Toronto time) to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
In her address, the Director of the HKETO in Toronto, Miss Gloria Lo, thanked the media for their support of the work of the HKETO over the years. She also remarked that horse racing is popular in Hong Kong and symbolises the continuation of both capitalism and the way of life in Hong Kong since reunification with China 16 years ago. "Hong Kong has no doubt continued to maintain its stability and prosperity under the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle," Miss Lo said.
Miss Lo also noted that Hong Kong has continued to develop as an open economy, attaching great importance to international trade. "Hong Kong remains the freest economy in the world according to the Fraser Institute," she said. "It is also regarded as the best place for business and the second easiest place to do business according to Bloomberg and the World Bank respectively."
In terms of Hong Kong-Canada relations, Miss Lo said that there were encouraging and exciting developments between the two places last year. "Hong Kong became the sixth largest export market of Canada last year and was named one of the priority markets in the Global Markets Action Plan by the Canadian Federal Government a few months ago," Miss Lo said. The comprehensive double taxation avoidance agreement signed between Hong Kong and Canada was also ratified last year. "The agreement will provide further incentives to promote business and investment between the two places," she added.
Miss Lo also noted that the Companies Ordinance in Hong Kong has been modernised. The new legislation, to be effective on March 3, will enhance corporate governance, further facilitate business, reduce compliance burden and ensure better regulation. "It will be even more convenient to incorporate a company in Hong Kong under the new regime," she said.
Miss Lo also took the opportunity to introduce the major upcoming events in Toronto under the theme of "Hong Kong under Spotlight". The "Hong Kong-Canada Crosscurrents Project" will be launched by the Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library in the University of Toronto with the support of the HKETO on February 27. "It is a joint academic research project by the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, the Simon Fraser University and the University of Hong Kong to document the immigration and people exchanges between Hong Kong and Canada over the past 50 years (from 1962 to 2012) and their contribution to social and economic development in the two places," Miss Lo said.
In addition, the presentation ceremony of the first ever Hong Kong-Canada Business Achievement Award, co-presented by the HKETO and the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association, will be held on April 29 to showcase the success stories of outstanding Canadian enterprises doing business in Hong Kong.
In conjunction with the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, the HKETO will organise the "Hong Kong Spirit Film Gala" on May 16 and 17 to highlight and share with local Canadians the spirit and values of Hong Kong through the appreciation of a number of selected Hong Kong films.
Hong Kong is not just a great place for business, it is also a place for fun and leisure. The Director of Canada, Central and South America of the HKTB, Mr Michael Lim, commented at the spring reception that Hong Kong has continued to be one of the most popular destinations in Asia for Canadian travellers. He noted that there will be plenty happening in the Year of the Horse. The HKTB has enhanced its calendar of events and festivals, which includes the new Gran Fondo cycling race to be held in October.
"Recently launched are our new Explore Hong Kong Tours, offering unique discoveries and authentic experiences," Mr Lim said. "The newly designed tours include tasting of local delicacies on the Sham Shui Po Foodie Tour or visiting the workshops of craftspeople on the Hand Made in Hong Kong Tour. The Tai O Eco Tour shows the old-world natural charm of Lantau Island for outdoors lovers, and there is even a cycling tour that will extend your trip into Guangdong Province. There is no shortage of things to do in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has a multitude of fantastic experiences."
Mr Lim also pointed out that "Discover Hong Kong?Travel Pack" is a must-have interactive app for tablet and smartphone users. "This convenient app comprises e-guidebooks on food, walking tours, shopping, cultural activities and more. Remember to download it before you depart," he said.
For details on the app, please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=meoIt2xW4CQ.
Ends/Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Issued at HKT 23:39
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