The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, officiated at the opening ceremony of the Henan Liaison Unit (HALU) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government cum HKSAR 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner today (August 23) in Zhengzhou, Henan. The event signified the commencement of the full operation of the HALU, while also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. 
      
     Speaking at the Gala Dinner, Mr Chan mentioned Henan is one of the economic powerhouses of China.  Henan has been in recent years actively developing a number of industries, such as modern logistics, e-commerce and advanced manufacturing and has achieved notable results.  Mr Chan said that Hong Kong and Henan have a close and strong economic and trade relationship. Hong Kong is the major source of external investment in Henan, an important listing platform for Henan enterprises seeking financing, as well as an important trading partner of Henan.  As an international financial, logistics and trading hub, Hong Kong has the unique advantages of 'one country, two systems', an open and fair market, the rule of law and an independent judiciary, and an abundance of professionals with global experience.  Mr Chan encouraged Henan enterprises to make good use of Hong Kong's international network and professional services to "go global", and to work together with Hong Kong enterprises in tapping new markets.   The highly efficient business platform of Hong Kong can also help attracting foreign investment to Henan.
      
     Mr Chan also remarked that the establishment of the Liaison Unit in Henan Province will promote economic, trade and cultural co-operation and exchange between Hong Kong and Henan, and strengthen services provided for Hong Kong people working, studying and living in Henan.
      
     Mr Chan also said that 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. To commemorate this occasion, the Mainland offices of the HKSAR Government are organising celebration activities in various provinces and municipalities. In Henan, in addition to the gala dinner, a four-week exhibition on the 20th anniversary of the establishment of HKSAR will open next week at the Zhengzhou Library.
      
     Other key officiating guests at the opening ceremony cum Gala Dinner today included the Vice Governor of Henan Province, Mr Shu Qing; the Director General of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Henan Province, Ms Song Liping; the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan (WHETO), Miss Sara Tse; the Director of WHETO (Designate), Mr Vincent Fung; and the Director of the Henan Liaison Unit, Mr Danny Lau.
      
     While in Zhengzhou, Mr Chan also called on the Vice Governor of Henan Province, Mr Shu Qing, to exchange views on stepping up cooperation between the two places.  Mr Chan also attended a gathering with Hong Kong people living in Henan to learn more about their daily lives and work. 
      
     Tomorrow (August 24), Mr Chan will visit Zhengdong New District, a Hong Kong enterprise in Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou International Hub Development and Construction Company Limited and Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone.  Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong tomorrow evening.
      
     The Henan Liaison Unit was set up under the purview of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan. Its temporary office is located at Room 1822, 18/F, Block D, Kineer IFC, No.88 East Jinshui Road, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, Henan. Hong Kong people living in Henan may contact the Henan Liaison Unit by phone at (86 371) 5361 2524 or by email at halu@wheto.gov.hk for assistance and enquiries.

Ends/Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Issued at HKT 21:59

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