Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the ceremony of Asia+ Festival 2025 and Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2025 today (November 16):

Consuls-General, representatives of overseas cultural organisations, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     ​Good afternoon, everyone, and a very warm welcome to the ceremony of the Asia+ Festival 2025 and the Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2025, especially warm welcome for those a few who come from afar. Welcome to Hong Kong.
      
     The Asia+ Festival was launched in 2023 with a bold vision: to create a sustainable platform for arts and cultural exchange across Asia, and the Belt and Road regions. As a flagship festive event, it reaffirms Hong Kong's role as an East-‍‍‍meets-‍West centre for international cultural exchange. It is here that we leverage our "one country, two systems" advantage to promote people-‍‍to-‍people bonds and cultural integration.
      
     Now, marching into its third edition, the Festival is growing remarkably. This year, we are thrilled to welcome distinguished artists from over 30 countries and regions, 12 of which are joining us for the very first time. While Asia remains our core, our reach now extends to Belt and Road countries and regions in Europe, Africa and the Americas. 
      
     With more than 100 performances and activities - from stage shows and exhibitions to today's outdoor carnival - we expect to welcome over 100 000 citizens and visitors. Together, we will celebrate the rich tapestry of both traditional and contemporary arts from Asia and beyond.
      
     The festivity has already begun with a stellar opening programme: a fresh, contemporary adaptation of Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard" by LG Arts Center from Korea. I saw the show myself and it is wonderful. But this is just the start. The powerful rhythms of Japanese Taiko drumming, the passionate tango from Argentina, and the vibrant music and dance from Africa await you. And today, the Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ will unveil the legendary sounds of classical and folk music from different regions. 
      
     None of this would be possible without our incredible partners. I would like to express my heartfelt and deepest gratitude to the Consuls-General, and representatives of overseas cultural organisations here in Hong Kong. Thank you for your stalwart support for contributing such wonderful programmes. I wish you all a delightful afternoon and a truly rewarding cultural feast. 
      
     Finally, as we celebrate our cultural vibrancy, let us also remember our civic duty. I sincerely encourage all registered voters to cast your vote in the upcoming Legislative Council General Election on December 7. Let us elect a new term of responsible, visionary and capable legislators. 
      
     Thank you, and enjoy the Festival!

Ends/Sunday, November 16, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:02

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