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Over 500 leaders from the sectors of business, arts, sports and politics celebrated Chinese New Year with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) yesterday (February 10, Sydney time) in Sydney to welcome the Year of the Horse.
The Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Steve Barclay, said, "Australia is increasingly seeking ways to engage with Asia and being Asia's world city, Hong Kong is naturally part of this engagement. As the major gateway into China and strategically located at the heart of East Asia, Hong Kong continues to be an ideal partner for Australians looking to maximise business and trade opportunities."
The annual reception was jointly hosted by the Sydney ETO, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong-Australia Business Association (New South Wales Chapter).
Mr Barclay added that Hong Kong is not just a place for business and career opportunities for Australians, it also presents a wealth of opportunities for students.
"The Economist Intelligence Unit recently ranked Hong Kong as the third best city in the world for the potential career and financial returns for foreign undergraduates, proving the city's appeal as a world-class study location. I hope Australian students will make use of the Working Holiday Scheme as well as various Hong Kong Government scholarships to experience all that Hong Kong has to offer."
The Sydney ETO is hosting Chinese New Year receptions across Australia and New Zealand. The first two in Brisbane and Canberra were held last week. Similar receptions will be organised in Wellington, Auckland, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth in the coming weeks.
A famous sand painting artist of the Hong Kong-based All Theatre Art Association, Hoi Chiu, was invited by the Sydney ETO to give a live performance at the reception. With his exquisite sand painting skills, Hoi Chiu created images of renowned scenic spots in Hong Kong to showcase the vibrancy of Asia's World City.
Ends/Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Issued at HKT 09:56
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