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At the Chinese New Year reception held in Madrid on February 9, the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Linda Lai, told guests that Hong Kong continues to look to the future with confidence, enjoying almost full employment, GDP growth and the unique advantages of "One Country, Two Systems" which make the city an important link and a "super-connector" between the Mainland China and the rest of the world.
The reception was one of 11 events that the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) hosts around Europe between January 27 and March 6 to mark the start of the Year of the Ram. Celebrations have so far been held in Ankara, Lisbon and Milan, and Madrid which will be followed by Barcelona, Luxembourg, Paris, Venice, The Hague, Brussels and Dublin. A total of over 2 000 guests are expected to attend.
Ms Lai told guests that the Hong Kong Government is committed to maintaining Hong Kong's fundamental strengths, including a business-friendly environment, a simple and low tax regime, the rule of law and world-class infrastructure. Hong Kong is also rapidly developing into an international arbitration centre in Asia.
Among new initiatives, there were plans to establish an independent Insurance Authority; to set up a new maritime body which promotes Hong Kong's maritime services industry; and to create research and development facilities. The construction of a third exhibition centre is also under consideration.
Ms Lai underlined that Hong Kong's status as an international financial, trade and transportation centre enjoys the full support from the Central Government, with the latest example being the launch of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect initiative last November, which also reinforces Hong Kong's position as the premier international financial centre and offshore Renminbi business centre.
"And this is just the beginning. A similar connection is being now considered with Shenzhen", she added.
"An agreement for the basic liberalisation for trade in services between Guangdong and Hong Kong, which goes further previous measures under the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), will enter into force on March 1. The establishment of the Guangdong Pilot Free Trade Zone on the same date is another good news, as it will vastly expand the room for business and development for Hong Kong enterprises," said Ms Lai.
Ms Lai added that to attract more talents and professionals from overseas, including start-ups, Hong Kong will start to relax arrangements under existing migrant admission schemes from the second quarter of this year. This will make it easier for entrepreneurs from overseas and young qualified people to come to Hong Kong.
The HKETO, Brussels, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of its establishment this year, seizes the opportunity of its Chinese New Year receptions to promote Hong Kong's artistic talents.
The Wuji Ensemble, a group of musicians who are highly skilled and experienced performers of Chinese plucked-string instruments like the pipa and the ruan, will perform at the HKETO, Brussels' events in Madrid, Barcelona, Paris and The Hague. Hoi-chiu, a renowned sand painter from Hong Kong, on the other hand, will perform at the event in Brussels; and Ms Fiona Foo, a young promising marimba soloist from Hong Kong, now based in Belgium, will perform in the event in Dublin.
Ends/Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:27
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