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Speech by CS at opening ceremony of HOFEX 2009 (English only) (with photos/video)
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     Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, at the opening ceremony of the 13th Asian International Exhibition of Food & Drink, Hotel, Restaurant & Foodservice Equipment, Supplies & Services (HOFEX 2009) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (May 6):

Daniel (Cheung, General Manager of HK Exhibition Services Ltd.), Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

     Good morning.

     It is a great pleasure to join you this morning.

     I have been asked to say a few words about the overall economic situation. And I wonder where to start. Not only are we in the worst global financial crisis in a generation, we also have a potential flu pandemic on our hands, and we are all very vigilant on it.

     So I think I can safely say, things have been better, or things could be better.

     But at least we have HOFEX to brighten the mood. This year's event is set to be the biggest in HOFEX's more than 20-year history. The expected strong turnout of buyers and visitors is a positive sign for the hospitality industry in Hong Kong and throughout Asia.

     The hotel, catering and tourism sectors are crucially important to Hong Kong's overall economy. Since the onset of the global financial crisis, we have made every effort to improve the business environment in Hong Kong to weather the storm.

     We have lowered salaries and profits tax, waived hotel accommodation tax and reduced wine duties down to zero.

     We have designated 2009 as "Hong Kong Food & Wine Year" and launched our own homegrown international wine fair, which is to become an annual event.

     We have also established an office dedicated to promoting the MICE industry in Hong Kong, covering meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions. The Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong Office has been working with HOFEX to strengthen our position as a Trade Fair Capital in Asia.

     I thank HOFEX for its invaluable support.

     We fully understand how people flow matters to catering and hospitality industries.  I am sure many of you still remember how the launch of the Individual Visit Scheme in the summer of 2003 has helped lift the industry from the devastating impact of the SARS outbreak.

     Today, some 270 million people from 49 cities on the Mainland are able to take advantage of the arrangements and visit Hong Kong on their own instead of having to join tours. Last year, we received almost 30 million visitors, more than half of who came from the Mainland. In the first quarter of this year, total inbound tourism rose almost 2 per cent year-on-year to 7.4 million visitors.

     We know there is no better boost to the trade amid this economic environment than bringing in more tourists.  That's why we will continue to liaise with the Central Government to facilitate more Mainland residents to visit Hong Kong.  The Central Government recently announced a number of entry facilitation and relaxation measures for Shenzhen residents to visit Hong Kong, such as allowing eligible Shenzhen residents multiple entries into Hong Kong under the Individual Visit Scheme.  These measures together are expected to benefit some 10 million Shenzhen residents.  With more ease and flexibility, we hope these will provide them with more incentive to come to Hong Kong.  And you know better than I how this is going to translate into your sales and business.

     Ladies and gentlemen, this year's HOFEX is among the first events to take advantage of the newly expanded Convention and Exhibition Centre.  No doubt HOFEX has fully seized the advantage of the site expansion by stretching along two halls so that buyers only need to go up and down one level only.

     I wish this year's Exhibition every success. Although our economies have seen better days, the enthusiastic response to this year's HOFEX is a clear indication of the confidence in the hospitality industry in Asia. And, as the old Yiddish proverb says: "confidence is half the victory".

     Thank you very much.

Ends/Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Issued at HKT 12:43

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