HKETO, Brussels holds Chinese New Year events around Europe to promote Hong Kong's fundamental strengths and business opportunities (with photos)

******************************************************************************************

     After successfully holding Chinese New Year receptions in six cities in central Europe from late January to mid-February, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) continued to promote Hong Kong by holding Chinese New Year events in nine cities in southern and eastern Europe in March.

     At the Chinese New Year reception held in Nicosia, Cyprus, on March 22 (Nicosia time), the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Lam, told guests that Hong Kong continues to be an ideal gateway for foreign companies to tap the fast-growing Greater China market under the unique advantages of "one country, two systems".

     Ms Lam told guests that Hong Kong's long-term success is underpinned by fundamental strengths. These include the rule of law, free flow of capital and information, a business-friendly environment, a diverse and international talent pool, and a low and simple tax regime. Hong Kong has been repeatedly named the world’s freest economy as well as the easiest place to do business.

     "To fully capitalise on Hong Kong's unique advantages, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, announced in her maiden Policy Address last October a full range of pro-business and pro-innovative proposals to promote and enhance Hong Kong as an ideal place for companies to expand their business, and also a city that is more liveable and smarter for citizens and visitors," Ms Lam said.

     Ms Lam also outlined the active and important role played by Hong Kong in the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development. Ms Lam emphasised that Hong Kong is the most trusted and resourceful partner for foreign companies venturing into the vast markets covered under the Belt and Road and the Bay Area and grasping the bountiful new opportunities brought about by these new developments.

     "A free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the 10 economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was signed last November. The Hong Kong-ASEAN free trade agreement covers all aspects of trade and is complemented by an investment agreement signed at the same time. It will also be a conduit assisting foreign businesses established in Hong Kong to penetrate into the vibrant Southeast Asian markets,” Ms Lam added.

     During her visit to Nicosia on March 21 and 22, apart from addressing the Chinese New Year reception, Ms Lam also met with senior officials of the Cypriot Government. As invited by the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms Lam also gave a presentation on Hong Kong's fundamental strengths and business opportunities to senior level representatives from government ministries, foreign diplomatic corps in Cyprus, business corporations and academics.

     HKETO, Brussels hosted Chinese New Year events in 15 European cities between January 30 and March 28 to promote Hong Kong. The 15 European cities are Dublin, Milan, the Hague, Paris, Brussels, Luxembourg City, Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Bucharest, Thessaloniki, Nicosia, Palermo, Caltanissetta and Sofia. Business seminars were also held in some of the above cities to promote Hong Kong’s business opportunities. A total of over 2 000 guests attended the events.

Ends/Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Issued at HKT 18:41

NNNN

Archives Yesterday's Press Releases

Back to Index Page

Today's Press Releases

Photo

The Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Lam, addresses the guests at a Chinese New Year Dinner in Nicosia, Cyprus, on March 22 (Nicosia time).

The Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Lam (seventh left), gives a presentation in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Hong Kong's fundamental strengths and business opportunities to senior-level representatives from government ministries of Cyprus, foreign diplomatic corps in Cyprus, business corporations and academics on March 22 (Nicosia time).

From left: The Investment Promotion Executive, Italy of Invest Hong Kong, Mr Stefano De Paoli; the Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and Mediterranean Fisheries of the Sicily Region, Mr Edgardo Bandiera; the Deputy Representative of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels, Miss Fiona Chau; and the President of the Italy - Hong Kong Association, Mr Riccardo Fuochi, attend a Chinese New Year business seminar in Palermo, Italy, on March 27 (Palermo time).

The Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Lam (first left), briefs guests on Hong Kong's latest developments at a Chinese New Year reception in Madrid, Spain, on March 14 (Madrid time).

From left: the Director for Asia-Oceania Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Mr Eduardo Ramos; the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Lam; the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Portugal, Mr Cai Run; and the Director of European Affairs of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce, Mr João Paes Cabral, propose a toast at a Chinese New Year luncheon in Lisbon, Portugal, on March 15 (Lisbon time).

The Deputy Representative of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, Mr Sam Hui (second left in panel), speaks on the favourable business environment of Hong Kong at a seminar held in Bucharest, Romania, on March 19 (Bucharest time).