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Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, at the Hong Kong Sevens Bar Tram Launch Ceremony today (April 6):
Now I would like to switch to English. First of all, thank you for inviting me to join this Launch Ceremony for the Bar Tram of the Hong Kong Sevens.
The Hong Kong Sevens is a spotlight event in the rugby world that brings in tens of thousands of high-spending overnight visitors to Hong Kong every year, fuelling the growth of our tourism industry. Indeed, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) spares no effort in promoting this premier event both locally and overseas. This year, with additional funding from the Government, the HKTB will step up its promotion on this mega event to consolidate Hong Kong's position as a key host city of rugby sevens in Asia.
In this connection, I must give heartfelt thanks to my colleagues in the HKTB for their novel idea - turning tram cars into tram bars. I must also give special thanks to Mr Vern Reid of the Hong Kong Rugby Union and Mr Emmanuel Vivant of Hong Kong Tramways, who joined hands with the HKTB to work out this novelty.
As a qualifier tournament, the Hong Kong Sevens has drawn the crème de la crème of the rugby teams. The Fiji National Rugby Sevens Team, a 12-time winner at the Hong Kong Sevens, also joins us here to support the Bar Tram initiative. Taking this opportunity, I wish all competing teams the best of luck and all visitors a most wonderful and memorable stay in Hong Kong.
Thank you.
Ends/Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:22
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