CE's speech at reception for new investors (English only)
********************************************************* Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the reception he hosted for new investors at Marriott Hotel this (September 5) afternoon:
Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to welcome you to our 5th annual reception for companies which have newly invested or expanded their operations in Hong Kong. It is wonderful to see so many of you here today.
It has become a tradition of InvestHK to organise such an event each year, to convey the community・s appreciation of your presence in our city. We know that without you there would be fewer jobs for Hong Kong people, and our business environment would be less vibrant.
It has also become a tradition that each year the number of attendees increases because the number of companies being helped by our investment promotion agency goes up. I am happy to say that tradition has been maintained this year. In 2004 the department helped 205 external investors set up or increase their presence here, a 44% increase over 2003. And the Director-General tells me that the numbers so far this year are running at more than 10% above the equivalent period 12 months ago. No wonder there is a record number of business representatives here today.
One small break with tradition this time round concerns the venue. Past practice has been for us to hold this event in Government House. As you know it is under renovation and not available for the moment, hence the use of a hotel. I certainly mean to return the event there next year.
It is always exciting living and working in Hong Kong, but the next few months are likely to be particularly lively.
We are just one week away from the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland, thereby joining Tokyo and Paris as international home for some of the world・s best loved characters. In December we play host to the World Trade Organisation・s Sixth Ministerial Conference, a clear illustration of the important role Hong Kong plays in international trade. Just one week later we will open Asia-World Expo, our new world class exhibition centre at the airport. That in turn will make it possible for us to host ITU Telecom World in December 2006, the first time the event will have been held outside Geneva.
Ladies and Gentlemen, so far I have stressed the positive side of the Hong Kong business story. But I want to assure you that we are not complacent, we are aware that there are aspects of our city that need improving if we are to maintain and enhance our position.
I would therefore urge all of you to play a full part in the public life of our city. Join your country・s chamber of commerce here, and the General Chamber as well. Push your representatives to flag up areas of concern so that we in the Administration are kept under pressure to address those concerns adequately. Show no mercy if you want to. Sink your teeth into us, and don・t let go until we have produced the improvements you want and need. That is the spirit. That is the spirit of InvestHK and that is the spirit of this Administration.
Together let us make Hong Kong truly Asia・s World City.
********************************************************* Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the reception he hosted for new investors at Marriott Hotel this (September 5) afternoon:
Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to welcome you to our 5th annual reception for companies which have newly invested or expanded their operations in Hong Kong. It is wonderful to see so many of you here today.
It has become a tradition of InvestHK to organise such an event each year, to convey the community・s appreciation of your presence in our city. We know that without you there would be fewer jobs for Hong Kong people, and our business environment would be less vibrant.
It has also become a tradition that each year the number of attendees increases because the number of companies being helped by our investment promotion agency goes up. I am happy to say that tradition has been maintained this year. In 2004 the department helped 205 external investors set up or increase their presence here, a 44% increase over 2003. And the Director-General tells me that the numbers so far this year are running at more than 10% above the equivalent period 12 months ago. No wonder there is a record number of business representatives here today.
One small break with tradition this time round concerns the venue. Past practice has been for us to hold this event in Government House. As you know it is under renovation and not available for the moment, hence the use of a hotel. I certainly mean to return the event there next year.
It is always exciting living and working in Hong Kong, but the next few months are likely to be particularly lively.
We are just one week away from the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland, thereby joining Tokyo and Paris as international home for some of the world・s best loved characters. In December we play host to the World Trade Organisation・s Sixth Ministerial Conference, a clear illustration of the important role Hong Kong plays in international trade. Just one week later we will open Asia-World Expo, our new world class exhibition centre at the airport. That in turn will make it possible for us to host ITU Telecom World in December 2006, the first time the event will have been held outside Geneva.
Ladies and Gentlemen, so far I have stressed the positive side of the Hong Kong business story. But I want to assure you that we are not complacent, we are aware that there are aspects of our city that need improving if we are to maintain and enhance our position.
I would therefore urge all of you to play a full part in the public life of our city. Join your country・s chamber of commerce here, and the General Chamber as well. Push your representatives to flag up areas of concern so that we in the Administration are kept under pressure to address those concerns adequately. Show no mercy if you want to. Sink your teeth into us, and don・t let go until we have produced the improvements you want and need. That is the spirit. That is the spirit of InvestHK and that is the spirit of this Administration.
Together let us make Hong Kong truly Asia・s World City.
Ends/Monday, September 5, 2005
Issued at HKT 19:27
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