Brussels ETO begins Chinese New Year celebrations in Italy (with photos)

************************************************************************

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) hosted a Chinese New Year reception in Milan, Italy, on February 9 (Milan time), marking the launch of its Year of the Horse celebrations. The event coincided with the visit of the Hong Kong, China delegation to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

     In her welcome remarks, the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, expressed support for the Hong Kong athletes taking part in the Winter Olympics. She highlighted that the perseverance shown by athletes in overcoming challenges mirrors Hong Kong's economic resilience in the face of global uncertainties, as evidenced by the city's strong performance last year.

     Noting that 2025 had been a fruitful year of bilateral exchange between Hong Kong and Italy, she encouraged businesses to build on the momentum of recent campaigns, including the "Think Business, Think Hong Kong" event in Milan and Italy's strong showcase at the "Business of Design Week" in Hong Kong, to further strengthen business partnership. "With a unique blend of East and West, Hong Kong is a city alive with arts and culture, sports and entertainment. From our world-class museums, stadiums, and dynamic arts scene to centuries-old traditions woven into daily life, Hong Kong offers a rich cultural diversity, creativity and vibrancy." she said, adding that Hong Kong attracted nearly 50 million visitors in 2025, a strong increase of 12 per cent from the previous year.

     During the reception, Brussels ETO invited the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Ensemble to perform a programme featuring festive folk melodies and a medley of iconic Hong Kong television drama themes. The performance showcased the outstanding talents of Hong Kong musicians and the city's distinctive East-meets-West cultural character, which was greatly received by the local guests.

     Co-organised by Brussels ETO, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Invest Hong Kong, the reception in Milan was attended by over 150 guests from the government, business, sports, art and culture, as well as representatives of the Hong Kong, China Winter Olympics delegation, including the President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), Dr Timothy Fok; the Honorary Secretary General of the SF&OC, Mr Edgar Yang; and Honorary Deputy Secretary General of SF&OC and the Chef de Mission of the Hong Kong, China Delegation, Mr Wong Po-kee.

Ends/Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Issued at HKT 21:50

NNNN

Archives Yesterday's Press Releases

Back to Index Page

Today's Press Releases

Photo

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels hosted a Chinese New Year reception in Milan, Italy, on February 9 (Milan time), marking the launch of its Year of the Horse celebrations. Photo shows the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, delivering welcoming remarks at the reception.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) hosted a Chinese New Year reception in Milan, Italy, on February 9 (Milan time), marking the launch of its Year of the Horse celebrations. Photo shows (from left) the Director, Italy, Cyprus, Greece and Malta of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Gianluca Mirante; the President of Italy-Hong Kong Association, Mr Riccardo Fuochi; the Regional Director, Europe, Central Asia and Israel of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Chris Lo; the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung; the President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, Dr Timothy Fok; Deputy Representative of Brussels ETO Miss Fiona Li; and the Principal Consultant (Milan), Invest Hong Kong, Mr Stefano De Paoli, toasting at the reception.