Hong Kong signs MOU with Champagne on co-operation in wine-related businesses (with photos)
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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, today (April 27) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Co-operation in Wine-related Businesses with the two visiting Presidents of Comité Champagne of France, Mr Jean-Marie Barillère and Mr Maxime Toubart.
The MOU will facilitate co-operation in wine and Champagne-related education and training, culinary arts, tourism and trading activities.
"The signing of the MOU today recognises Hong Kong as Asia's wine hub and will help strengthen partnership between Hong Kong and Champagne. Hong Kong has always been an excellent platform for Champagne growers and Champagne houses to share their passion in vines and wines with connoisseurs and professionals in the region. Our flagship wine events, such as the annual Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, are wonderful opportunities for organising Champagne-related professional conferences, seminars and exchanges," said Mr So.
Hong Kong is a free wine port as well as a key Champagne market. In 2016, Hong Kong ranked second in Asia and 14th worldwide among export markets for Champagne.
"We are happy to welcome the Presidents of Comité Champagne. We are confident that Hong Kong is well positioned to promote appreciation of Champagne and related culinary arts in Asia, as well as to over 56 million visitors arriving in Hong Kong each year. As a culinary capital, we are experts in wine pairing with international and Asian cuisines," Mr So said.
Comité Champagne is the statutory association of Champagne, France, established in 1941 to manage the common interests of Champagne growers and Champagne houses.
Since August 2008, Hong Kong has entered into similar wine co-operation agreements with Australia, Chile, France (and its Bordeaux and Burgundy regions), Germany, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain and the United States (and its Oregon and Washington states).
Ends/Thursday, April 27, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:07
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