The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) hosted a reception in Sydney, Australia, today (February 7) to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit.

     Over 300 guests from various sectors including political and business circles, media, academic and community groups as well as government representatives attended the reception. Among them were the Minister for Finance and Employee Relations of New South Wales (NSW), Mr Damien Tudehope; the Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly, Mr Jonathan O'Dea; and the Acting Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney, Mr Mi Bin.

     Addressing the reception in a virtual speech, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, highlighted that the economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Australia have remained strong despite the challenges of the pandemic. He added that Hong Kong is looking at a bright year ahead and is expecting a visible rebound of the economy this year with the solid support by the country under the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development.

     In the international arena, Mr Yau said that Hong Kong is actively pursuing early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the world's largest free trade agreement to date.

     "Hong Kong has hit the ground running and is going to embrace the world of opportunities as one of the most important financial centres as well as the only place where China's advantages and the world advantages converge under the 'one country, two systems' principle," Mr Yau said.

     Mr Yau highlighted the proactive initiatives covered in the 2022 Policy Address to attract enterprises, investment and talents, including the setting up of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises and the launch of the Top Talent Pass Scheme to widely entice talents to pursue their careers in Hong Kong.

     The Director of the Sydney ETO, Miss Trista Lim, said in her welcoming remarks that Hong Kong has resumed its seamless connections to Mainland China and the world. "The Hello Hong Kong campaign launched by our Government last week sends the best signal to every corner in Australia and the world. Hong Kong is back and we heartily welcome everyone, no matter if you are coming for businesses or leisure," Miss Lim said.

     In addition to the Sydney reception, the Sydney ETO will host Chinese New Year receptions in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth in Australia, and Auckland in New Zealand, to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with communities.

Ends/Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Issued at HKT 17:50

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