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Over 60 bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding have been signed between Hong Kong and individual economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), strengthening co-operation in taxation, air services, mail services, financial services, education, cultural exchange and trade promotion, over the past 15 years, said Ms Subrina Chow, the Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (HKETO, Singapore) today (June 11).
Ms Chow was addressing some 300 guests from Singapore and other ASEAN economies at a gala dinner to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the opening of HKETO, Singapore. The opportunity was also taken to launch the revitalised Brand Hong Kong in the ASEAN region.
From the opening of HKETO, Singapore, in 1995 up to 2009, the total value of trade between Hong Kong and the ASEAN region has grown by over 110% from US$31.2 billion to US$65.7 billion, which represents an average of 5.5% growth on a yearly basis, she said.
The ASEAN region, taken as a bloc, was Hong Kong's third largest trading partner in 2009. The region was also the third major destination of outward direct investment (ODI) from Hong Kong, with the total ODI stock amounting to US$19.2 billion as at end 2008.
On two-way flow of people, Ms Chow said tourist arrivals in Hong Kong from Southeast Asia had risen by 90% from 1.25 million in 1995 to 2.37 million in 2009, adding that over the same period of time, Hong Kong's ministerial-level officials alone have made over 110 visits to the ASEAN region.
Noting the widening scope of co-operation between China and the ASEAN countries, Ms Chow said, "Hong Kong will continue to play a key role in the future development of China-ASEAN relations as our nation's international financial centre, services and logistics hub and the premier platform for ASEAN enterprises to venture into the Mainland market."
In launching the revitalised Brand Hong Kong, she said that the strong fundamentals of Hong Kong and the versatility of its people are what make up the unique Hong Kong brand.
The gala dinner was attended by Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Singapore, Mr Wei Wei; diplomatic corps of the ASEAN countries, and leaders of the Hong Kong Singapore Business Association, the Hong Kong Business Association Vietnam and the Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association.
In addition, guests at the dinner enjoyed an excellent performance by two young musicians from Hong Kong, clarinetist Natalie Hoe and pianist Mozar Tsang, who are fine examples of Hong Kong's talented next generation.
Ends/Friday, June 11, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:00
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