The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) greeted the Year of the Horse in various cities across Canada by supporting Lunar New Year gala dinners hosted by different sections of the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) and community partners. During these gatherings, the Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Bill Wong, highlighted Hong Kong's dynamic business environment, economic strengths, and its continued role as a global financial powerhouse.

     On February 14 (Toronto time), Mr Wong joined the 37th Dragon Ball, hosted by Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation, to celebrate the Year of the Horse. The annual event showcased Hong Kong-themed cuisines and performances to allow over 1 000 guests from the business, political and community sectors in Canada to be immersed within the rich atmosphere of the Lunar New Year culture, enhanced with the unique flavour of Hong Kong. 

     Earlier, during his first duty visit on the West Coast of Canada, Mr Wong attended the Lunar New Year celebrations held by the HKCBA in Edmonton and Calgary on February 5 (Edmonton time) and February 6 (Calgary time) respectively, where he shared with participants the latest developments of Hong Kong. He highlighted the Hong Kong's investment opportunities in the areas of finance and innovation and technology, and the city's vibrant ecosystem for impact investing and family offices. 

     In Calgary, Mr Wong presented the 2026 HKCBA Calgary Scholarship to award recipients at a student reception on February 6. The scholarship, sponsored by the Toronto ETO, is awarded to Calgary university or college students who demonstrate a strong interest in Hong Kong and a clear motivation to pursue an exchange opportunity or a work experience in the city. This year a total of five students from universities and colleges in Calgary received the scholarship. 

     As part of its youth engagement initiatives, the Toronto ETO also hosted a Lunar New Year reception for students from Hong Kong pursuing education at different universities in Ontario on February 13 (Toronto time). Mr Wong shared details about Hong Kong's competitive advantages as Asia's world city, including its advantageous geographical location, simple tax system, and business-friendly environment. He added that since its launch in late 2022, the Top Talent Pass Scheme has approved more than 4 700 applications from graduates of six eligible Canadian universities under the scheme. 

     Organised by local chapters of HKCBA, Lunar New Year receptions are being held across several Canadian cities, with Winnipeg, Manitoba, having hosted its event on February 7 (Winnipeg time). Upcoming receptions will take place in Montreal, Quebec, on February 19, Toronto, Ontario, on February 21, and Vancouver, British Columbia, on February 26.

Ends/Sunday, February 15, 2026
Issued at HKT 13:55

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