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An attractive, large-scale exhibition opened in Foshan today (December 18) to promote Hong Kong. This week-long multi-media event is organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong (GDETO) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Bureau; Bureau of Commerce of Foshan City; PRD Council, Federation of Hong Kong Industries, and Foshan Overseas Chinese Enterprises Association are the co-organisers.
Speaking at the exhibition's opening ceremony today, the Director of the GDETO, Mr Albert Tang, said, "The exhibition aims to give Foshan residents a comprehensive understanding of Hong Kong's latest developments in various areas including the economy, trade and business, education, culture, environmental protection and tourism, as well as the participation of Hong Kong organisations in social welfare activities on the Mainland."
Other guests attending the opening ceremony included the Vice Mayor of Foshan, Ms Mai Jiehua, officials of the Foshan Municipal Government, and representatives of co-organisers and Hong Kong enterprises in Foshan.
Mr Tang said, "With the successful implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems' and the Basic Law and with the Mainland as our hinterland, Hong Kong continues to consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial, trade, shipping and tourism centre.
"Foshan is a popular tourist destination for Hong Kong people and a base for the development of Hong Kong enterprises on the Mainland. Contributions of Hong Kong enterprises to the economy and society of Foshan are also showcased in the exhibition, demonstrating the effectiveness of the win-win co-operation between Foshan and Hong Kong."
He added, "Foshan and Hong Kong have long enjoyed close economic and trade relations, as reflected by the frequent flows of people, goods and capital between both places. Hong Kong is highly regarded by the international business community for its business-friendly environment, free flow of capital, free trade and free market economy, diversified talent pool, world-class infrastructure, sound and independent legal system, as well as its low tax regime. It serves as an ideal platform for Mainland companies to tap into overseas markets and 'go global'.
"Enterprises in Foshan are encouraged to set up offices and raise capital in Hong Kong. In doing so, they can learn from the experience of the world's leading corporations in Hong Kong and further expand their business internationally."
At the ceremony, Mr Tang also announced the launch of GDETO's WeChat platform. "To further enhance communications with the business community, non-government organisations, Mainland authorities and the public in general, we have launched a platform on Wechat to provide easy access by mobile devices for information distributed by GDETO, including our weekly newsletter and upcoming events."
The exhibition is being held at the Tour Mall in Foshan from today to December 24. The Hong Kong Police Band will give multiple performances during the exhibition. The exhibition makes extensive use of 2-D and 3-D exhibits as well as videos to showcase Hong Kong's exciting city landscape, its vibrancy as an international metropolis and the richness of its culture, as well as the enterprising spirit and creativity of the Hong Kong people. Members of the public are welcome to visit the exhibition.
Ends/Thursday, December 18, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:43
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