The Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr Clement Leung, has expressed hope that Hong Kong - US economic relations will gather momentum in the Year of the Rooster. Hong Kong imported more than US$37 billion worth of goods made in America, making it the ninth export destination for the US, in 2015, which was a jump from 10th place in the previous year, according to the latest US commerce statistics.
 
     Speaking to more than 300 guests at a Chinese New Year reception of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) today (February 2, New York time), Mr Leung gave an update on the latest economic situation of Hong Kong, which has achieved full employment but is facing the challenges of an increasingly volatile macro trade and economic environment.
 
     He also outlined the ongoing large-scale infrastructural projects in Hong Kong that will facilitate further connectivity with the world and with Mainland China.
 
     On the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region this year, Mr Leung said that despite the ups and downs encountered in the past two decades, Hong Kong people are determined to make the "one country, two systems" concept a success.
 
     Welcoming guests, the Director of HKETONY, Mr Steve Barclay, said the office will host a number of events and activities to celebrate the 20th anniversary.
 
     He said there will be more than 20 events of various scales catering to different sectors of society in the fields of music, film, sports, creative design, culture and business.
 
     Notable guests at this year's reception included the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in New York, Ms Zhang Qiyue; international fashion designer Vivienne Tam; and representatives of the New York-based foreign diplomatic corps as well as the New York City Council and the New York State Senate.
 
     The reception also featured performances by the Hong Kong-New York Brass Quintet, comprising musicians from Hong Kong as well as New York's prestigious musical institutions. They are Oliver Barrett, Harry Chiu, Andrew Jeng, Eunice Lai and Jimmy Tung.

Ends/Friday, February 3, 2017
Issued at HKT 12:21

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