The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) hosted a reception in Sydney, Australia, yesterday (February 10) to celebrate Chinese New Year.

     Over 300 guests from various sectors including political and business circles, media, academic and community groups as well as government representatives attended the reception. Among them were the Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney, Mr Wang Yu; the Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, the Minister for Industry and Trade, the Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, the Minister for Building and Minister for Corrections of New South Wales (NSW), Mr Anoulack Chanthivong, representing the Premier of NSW; and Councillor of the City of Sydney Mr Robert Kok, representing the Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney.
     
     The Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong, said in his welcoming remarks that Hong Kong and Australia have long shared a dynamic and multifaceted partnership, underpinned by close co-operation in trade, investment, education, cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties. He noted that Hong Kong was Australia's 15th-largest trading partner and ninth-largest export market last year, with bilateral trade in goods reaching AU$8 billion, while around 200 Australian companies operate in Hong Kong, many using the city as regional headquarters or regional offices.

     Mr Chong highlighted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's ongoing efforts to strengthen international economic engagement through the establishment of the Economic and Trade Express, which brings together the collective strengths of overseas Economic and Trade Offices, Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The initiative supports Hong Kong enterprises in exploring overseas opportunities and assists Mainland companies in going global, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder".

     He also introduced the Northern Metropolis, Hong Kong's most ambitious city-building project, which will become a new engine for innovation, technology, education and advanced industries, creating fresh opportunities for businesses, talent and investors from around the world, including Australia.

     Mr Chong also highlighted the launch of the "Study in Hong Kong" brand, positioning Hong Kong as an international post-secondary education hub. With five universities ranked among the world's top 100 and a strong emphasis on research and innovation, Hong Kong offers a truly international learning environment for global talent.

     "As we welcome the Year of the Horse, we look forward to deepening our partnership with NSW and the rest of Australia, expanding collaboration, strengthening economic ties, and fostering even closer connections between our peoples," Mr Chong said.

     The Sydney ETO will also host Chinese New Year receptions in Melbourne (February 12), Brisbane (February 27), Adelaide (March 3) and Perth (March 5) in Australia, and Auckland (February 24) in New Zealand, to celebrate the Year of the Horse with local communities.

Ends/Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:08

NNNN