Hong Kong welcomes Year of the Ram in Russia, Denmark and Sweden (with photos)
**********************************************************

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) greeted the Year of the Ram in Russia, Denmark and Sweden by hosting Chinese New Year receptions in the first week of March.

     The receptions held in St Petersburg in Russia (March 2), Copenhagen in Denmark (March 5) and Lund in Sweden (March 6) were attended by guests including representatives of the government, business and academic sectors. In particular, the Copenhagen reception featured a music performance by renowned Hong Kong cellist Trey Lee.

     The key speaker at the events was the Director-General of the London ETO, Ms Erica Ng. At the three receptions, Ms Ng briefed the guests on the latest developments in Hong Kong, including the latest infrastructure projects and financial development in Hong Kong. She also highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages and the strong links between Hong Kong and the three countries.

     In St Petersburg, Ms Ng described the ever-growing trade and financial ties between Russia and Hong Kong, and encouraged more Russian companies and financial institutions to set up offices and raise capital in Hong Kong. She also raised the possibility of stronger co-operation between the two places on the cultural front.

     In Copenhagen, Ms Ng described opportunities for Danish companies in Hong Kong's creative industries and innovation and technology sectors, and updated the guests on the new initiatives to promote entrepreneurship. She said, "There has been growing interest amongst investors in Hong Kong start-ups. To further promote the financing of new enterprises, Hong Kong Science Park will earmark a sum of money to set up a corporate venture fund for co-investment on a matching basis with private funds in start-ups."

     In Lund, Ms Ng highlighted the close co-operation between Hong Kong and Sweden, particularly in the areas of innovation and technology, scientific research and design. "Sweden and Hong Kong's shared passion for innovation and technology and design, as well as common pursuit of a greener environment and sustainable development, offers numerous and exciting opportunities for collaboration between the two places," she said.

     The Chinese New Year receptions in St Petersburg and Copenhagen were co-organised by the London ETO, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and local business associations, namely the Russia-Hong Kong Business Association and the Denmark-Hong Kong Trade Association. The reception in Lund was co-organised by the London ETO, the Royal Sweden Hong Kong Business Council and Medicon Village.

Ends/Monday, March 9, 2015
Issued at HKT 20:02

NNNN