Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival today (October 23):

Peter (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Peter Lam), Allan (Representative of the Bordeaux Wine Council, Mr Allan Sichel), ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good evening. A big welcome to the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, the 13th happy edition! 

     We have all the ingredients for four fabulous days and nights of wining and dining under the sun and the stars. And this year, ladies and gentlemen, you can party until midnight every night.

     I'm told some 150 000 people, from Hong Kong, the Mainland, the Asian region and around the world will take part in this year's Wine & Dine Festival, here to enjoy the stunning, harbour-side setting and the wide range of international and local offerings. 

     As the Chief Executive announced in his recent Policy Address, this year's Wine & Dine Festival is an enhanced version. More than 300 fine wine and food booths, from 31 countries and regions, are here - waiting for you and your taste buds. It's all part of the Government's efforts to showcase Hong Kong as an international culinary hub. Something we clearly don’t have to tell you. 

     As Peter noted, this year's Festival welcomes the return of the Grand Wine Pavilion, featuring more than 100 exceptional Old and New World wines chosen by renowned wine critic James Suckling, and offering you a rare opportunity to sample hand-picked wines and enjoy a refined tasting experience.
      
     And, yes, Gourmet Avenue is back and bigger than ever. A dozen of this city’s top restaurants - counting 13 Michelin stars and seven Black Pearl diamonds among them - will serve up Cantonese, Chinese, French, Nordic-Japanese, pizza and more, all in one place. 

     Then there's the Tasting Room, where five celebrated chefs from around the world come together in a special collaboration. 

     I know you will enjoy it all, ladies and gentlemen. Every last memorable bite, bottle and moment of this year's Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.

     Once you have enjoyed the food and wine, we invite you to take some time to explore the rest of Hong Kong. Our city truly has it all. You can discover our vibrant arts and cultural scene, explore our rich heritage, relax in our beautiful country parks, have fun at our world-class theme parks, or enjoy fantastic shopping. There is always so much more to see and do. 

     My thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Bordeaux Wine Council, and all the many devoted organisers and sponsors who have contributed to the success of this spectacular festival. Together, we are making Hong Kong a true gathering place for food and wine lovers from all over the world. 

     And while you are enjoying the vibrant life of our city, I would like to take this opportunity to call upon all of you from Hong Kong to cast your votes in the upcoming Legislative Council election to be held on December 7. By casting your vote, you can play a part in shaping the future of this community we all love. Let us elect a team of patriotic, capable, and dedicated legislators who will work tirelessly to serve the people of Hong Kong and contribute to our country.  

     Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the party, beautiful Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong, the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. That certainly includes fine food and wine enjoyed in the very best of company. Cheers!

Ends/Thursday, October 23, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:24

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