************************************************************
The arts and culture are flourishing in the vibrant city of Hong Kong.
These remarks were made by the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Ms Sally Wong, today (August 30) at a reception hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo (HKETO) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government before the HKETO 25th Anniversary Commemorative Concert by the Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO). About 100 guests attended the reception.
Ms Wong said that Hong Kong has long been a place of open borders and open minds. "We safeguard and respect cultural freedom and artistic creation, with the freedom of speech and expression enshrined in our constitutional document, the Basic Law.
"Hong Kong is a city full of creativity, character, artistic creations, performances and events. It is also a free and cosmopolitan city which is safe, hospitable and welcoming for visitors from Japan and around the world," she said.
Noting that Hong Kong and Japan have enjoyed very close bilateral relations for many years, she said that the strong ties have extended well beyond commerce and trade to cover a wide range of areas including education, tourism and the arts and culture.
"The performances and tours of the AYO are testimony to the very close arts and cultural ties between Hong Kong and Japan," Ms Wong said.
The Hong Kong-based AYO has taken many outstanding young musicians all over the world to enhance their international exposure, enrich their artistic experience and give them valuable opportunities to perform with celebrated artists and conductors.
The orchestra was awarded Japan's Praemium Imperiale Grant for Young Artists in 2010 in recognition of its excellent contribution to the development of young artistic talents.
This year the AYO has conducted a three-week concert tour across Asia to Vietnam, Singapore, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Osaka and Kamakura in Japan. The concert tonight in Tokyo is the final performance of the season, with some 100 young musicians from various parts of Asia, including Hong Kong and Japan, performing.
Ends/Friday, August 30, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:02
NNNN