The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (Dubai ETO), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hosted a Chinese New Year dinner reception in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on February 28 (Abu Dhabi time).
 
     Speaking to some 150 guests from the local government and business community, the Director-General of the Dubai ETO, Mr Damian Lee, welcomed the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, to the dinner reception, who has been visiting Abu Dhabi to attend the 13th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference.
 
     Delivering the keynote address for the evening, Mr Yau highlighted the significance of the visit made by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr John Lee, to the UAE in February last year, which laid the groundwork for deeper and more frequent co-operation between the two economies.
 
     Mr Yau also spoke about the latest developments in Hong Kong's business environment and the opportunities it offers. Hong Kong is known for being one of the freest, most competitive, and open economies in the world. It has been making strides in developing its economy in emerging sectors with strong support from the Mainland. Building on its traditional strengths as an international financial and trading centre, Hong Kong is also becoming a hub for innovation and technology, as well as an arts and cultural centre where Eastern and Western cultures seamlessly merge.
 
     The event featured a performance by musical group Windpipe Chinese Music Ensemble, which mesmerised the audience with a fusion of Chinese musical instruments and skilful presentation of traditional Chinese works, Western classics and even Arabic tunes, putting Hong Kong's unique East-meets-West culture on full display. The musical group received enthusiastic applause from the audience.
 
     To celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Dubai ETO also sponsored the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival by the shores of Dubai earlier in the month. The festival provided an opportunity for competitors and spectators to learn more about Hong Kong's latest tourist attractions, arts and culture offerings and mega sports events.

Ends/Thursday, February 29, 2024
Issued at HKT 13:34

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