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The western Canadian city of Calgary has proclaimed August 28 as Hong Kong Day to recognize the contribution of the Hong Kong community to the Canadian multi-cultural mosaic. A series of activities featuring Hong Kong as a land of opportunities for Canadian businesses and a city of vibrant culture are held this weekend.
The three-day event was today (August 28, Canada time) highlighted by a full-day Chinatown street festival organized by the Calgary Chinatown Merchants Association.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (HKETO) in Canada, Mr Bassanio So, described it as a step forward in the relations between "the heart of Canada's new west" and Asia's world city – Hong Kong.
"The Calgary Sun said in a recent article that Hong Kong is the land of opportunity for Canadian businesses who want to capture a dynamic international market," he said. "The street festival now tells Calgarians that Hong Kong has a vibrant culture, thriving spirit and great people. It is known for its food, entertainment, and is a prefect tourist destination."
The Hong Kong celebrations, which began Friday, will come to a conclusion tomorrow (August 29) night with a pyro-musical fireworks display at Elliston Park. A team from Hong Kong will unveil their brand new extravagant 23-minute fireworks production to compete with fireworks presentations from United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.
Hong Kong Day is a partnership among the HKETO, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), GlobalFest, the Glenbow Festival, Totem Building Supplies, and Trico Homes. To mark the event, the HKTB, together with the United Airlines and Jade Tours, also organize a contest for a dream vacation to Hong Kong.
Ends/Sunday, August 28, 2005
Issued at HKT 08:37
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