Hong Kong Commissioner to US commends HK Volvo Ocean Race team at warm welcome in Newport, US (with photos)

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     The Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr Clement Leung, today (May 13, Newport, Rhode Island time) commended skipper David Witt and the members of Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag for continuing the Volvo Ocean Race in honour and memory of their late teammate and friend John Fisher. The team is the first from Hong Kong to enter in the world's premier offshore race.

     Speaking at today's welcome reception hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY), Mr Leung also said that their fortitude and unwavering spirit resonated with Hong Kong's "can-do" spirit.

     He noted that Hong Kong's natural harbour has contributed to the city's successful economy. "As a staunch supporter of free trade and open markets, we welcome companies from all corners of the globe to do business in our city," he said. Hong Kong is now Rhode Island's fifth largest Asian export market.

     The Director of HKETONY, Ms Joanne Chu, expressed the hope that visitors to the Newport race village on Rhode Island would get a chance to experience the vibrant East-meets-West culture of Hong Kong, which is being promoted at the festival booth run by the HKETONY from May 8 to 20.

     More than 120 guests attended the reception. Among them were the Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island, Mr Dan McKee; the Mayor of Newport, Mr Henry Winthrop; the Mayor of Cranston, Mr Allan Fung; the President of the Volvo Ocean Race, Mr Richard Brisius; and the Executive Director of Sail Newport, Mr Brad Read.

     Earlier Ms Chu had joined a number of dignitaries to celebrate the opening of the race village on May 8. Among them were the Governor of Rhode Island, Ms Gina Raimondo, and Mayor Winthrop.

     A 38-foot-long dragon boat has been set up near the Hong Kong booth for photo-taking in addition to booth games, Chinese arts and craft activities and lion dance performances. Visitors can also take part in a 3D Trick Art Instagram contest.

Ends/Monday, May 14, 2018
Issued at HKT 16:02

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The Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr Clement Leung (right), and the Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY), Ms Joanne Chu (left), welcome the Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island, Mr Dan McKee, to the welcome reception hosted by the HKETONY on May 13 (Newport, Rhode Island time).

The Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY), Ms Joanne Chu (left), meets the Governor of Rhode Island, Ms Gina Raimondo (centre), and the Executive Director of Sail Newport, Mr Brad Read (right), at the opening of the Newport race village on May 8.

Pictured from left, the Mayor of Newport, Henry F Winthrop; the Mayor of Cranston, Mr Allan Fung; skipper of Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag David Witt; the Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr Clement Leung; the Executive Director of Sail Newport, Mr Brad Read, and the Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY), Ms Joanne Chu, attend the welcome reception hosted by HKETONY on May 13 (Newport, Rhode Island time).

The Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr Clement Leung (front row left); skipper of Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag David Witt (front row, centre); and the Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY), Ms Joanne Chu (front row right), pictured with the crew of Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag at the welcome reception hosted by the HKETONY on May 13 (Newport, Rhode Island time).

The Mayor of Cranston, Mr Allan Fung (left), presents the key to Cranston to the Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr Clement Leung, at the welcome reception hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York on May 13 (Newport, Rhode Island time).

The Mayor of Newport, Mr Henry F Winthrop (left), presents a book on Newport to the Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr Clement Leung, at the welcome reception hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York on May 13 (Newport, Rhode Island time).