The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) hosted a reception in Edinburgh, the United Kingdom, on February 27 (London time) for celebrating the Year of the Rabbit. The reception was supported by Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the China-Britain Business Council.
 
     During his speech, the Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, highlighted that Hong Kong has been back to the international stage with a series of international events and the "Hello Hong Kong" Campaign. 
 
     Mr Law said, "As stressed by President Xi Jinping in his important speech delivered on July 1, 2022, the 'one country, two systems' principle has been tested repeatedly in practice and we must adhere to such a good policy in the long run. The principle has supported Hong Kong in maintaining our distinctive status and edges." He added that with the commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence, Hong Kong could serve as businesses' super connector with the world. He also encouraged Scottish businesses to tap into the opportunities brought by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
 
     To showcase the cultural ties between Hong Kong and Scotland, the London ETO invited the Hong Kong Police Band to perform traditional bagpipe music and Chinese music.  Acknowledging a lot of collaboration opportunities between Hong Kong and Scotland in the aspect of international cultural exchanges, Mr Law highlighted that Hong Kong will be the host city of the Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival in 2024 as announced in 2023-24 Budget Speech.
 
     The reception was well attended by nearly 100 guests from business, academic and cultural sectors.

Ends/Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Issued at HKT 20:35

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