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Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, at the Welcome Dinner of the 1st Steering Committee of the 55th Orient and Southeast Asian Lions (OSEAL) Forum today (February 20):
Mr Leung (Chairperson of the 55th OSEAL Forum, Mr Tommy Leung), Dr Tam (Past International President of Lions Clubs International, Dr Tam Wing-kun), Mr Law (District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 303 - Hong Kong and Macao, China, Mr Paul Law), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It gives me great pleasure to join you this evening at the welcome dinner for the first Steering Committee of the 55th OSEAL Forum. A very warm welcome to you all, especially those who have travelled a long distance to be here with us today.
I am sure many of you have fond memories of the past Lions events in Hong Kong such as the 75th and 88th Lions International Conventions, and the OSEAL Forums in 2002 and 2008. This year, Hong Kong is most privileged to be your partner again in organising this signature Lions event. Its return reaffirms Hong Kong's position as an international convention and exhibition capital in the region.
In Hong Kong, we have sophisticated infrastructure, world-class facilities, friendly business environment, high English proficiency as well as a vibrant lifestyle. All these factors converge to make any MICE (Meetings, Incentive Travels, Conventions and Exhibitions) destination decision a rather simple one.
And I am sure the Hong Kong Tourism Board has been working closely with you to render our full support to facilitate the staging of the 55th OSEAL Forum and tailor-make exciting itineraries for the participants in November.
Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan, dynamic and outward-looking city. We have all the fundamentals that help transform this mega event into a huge success. Hong Kong will also impress you with a unique travel enjoyment that can be matched by no other.
I wish you have an unforgettable stay in Hong Kong. See you again in November. Thank you.
Ends/Saturday, February 20, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:30
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