The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Ms Maisie Ho, celebrated the festive season with the business and trade sectors in Chicago, Illinois as part of her duty visit from December 13 to 15 (Chicago time).
 
     Ms Ho also connected with local government, arts and education interlocutors to discuss matters of mutual interests during her three-day stay.
 
     Speaking at the holiday celebration event organised by the Hong Kong Business Association of the Midwest on December 13, Ms Ho recognised the strong bonds between Hong Kong and Chicago in business and trade, education as well as in arts and culture.
 
     She also highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages and vast potential for businesses as well as opportunities for talents from Chicago's leading educational institutions.
 
      "Hong Kong and Chicago really have many things in common," she said. "The Hong Kong-Midwest alliance is a testament to the power of international co-operation, and together, we can navigate the challenges and embrace the successes that lie ahead."
 
     Illinois is a key business and trade partner of Hong Kong. The state's exports to Hong Kong reached US$592 million in 2022, with major exports in computer and electronics, chemical manufacturing and electrical equipment. 
 
     While in Chicago, Ms Ho called on the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Chicago, Mr Zhao Jian. She also met with the Deputy Commissioner of Programming at Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Ms Nancy Villafranca; the Associate Vice President of Global Initiatives and Strategy at the University of Chicago, Ms Katie Hrinyak; the Pritzker Chair of Arts of Asia, and Curator of Chinese Art at the Art Institute of Chicago, Dr Tao Wang, and the Executive Director and Chief Curator of The Arts Club of Chicago, Ms Janine Mileaf.

Ends/Saturday, December 16, 2023
Issued at HKT 7:05

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