The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) hosted a Chinese New Year reception in Brussels, Belgium, on February 17 (Brussels time), celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Horse on its first day.

     The Brussels reception has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious events within the European diplomatic community, attracting over 260 esteemed guests, including officials from European institutions, national governments and diplomatic missions, as well as senior representatives from the business, trade, academic, arts and cultural sectors, the media, and the local Chinese community. The event was supported by the Belgium-Hong Kong Society.

     The Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, opened her speech by welcoming guests to the festive occasion, noting that the Year of the Horse symbolises energy, loyalty, and perseverance. Ms Yung remarked that these traits define the enduring friendship between Europe and Hong Kong, particularly as both navigate an increasingly complex global environment.

     While acknowledging that the past year posed significant hurdles for the global economy, Ms Yung highlighted that Hong Kong has weathered the storm and emerged more resilient and promising than ever. She emphasised that under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong remains the world's freest economy and a "super connector", bridging global capital with the immense growth of Asia, in particular the Greater Bay Area.

     With its strong economic fundamentals, Hong Kong provides international investors with a reliable platform to navigate global volatility. Beyond traditional strengths in finance and trade, Ms Yung shared that Hong Kong is rapidly evolving into a global hub for innovation, technology, and world-class talent, driven by strategic initiatives such as "Go Global via Hong Kong" and the development of the Northern Metropolis.

     "We believe that prosperity is fostered by building bridges that connect people, ideas, and cultures," Ms Yung stated. She concluded with a call for continued collaboration, encouraging both Europe and Hong Kong to turn challenges into opportunities and build a more prosperous future together.

     Moreover, Brussels ETO hosted another Chinese New Year reception in Paris, France, on February 19 (Paris time) which attracted more than 250 guests of various backgrounds including government representatives, businessmen, academic representatives, the media and members of the local Chinese community. The reception was co-organised by Brussels ETO and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, with the support of the France Hong Kong Business Association.

     In both receptions, guests were greeted by an enchanting performance from the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, featuring a vibrant repertoire of traditional Chinese folk melodies, alongside a nostalgic medley of iconic Hong Kong television themes. The performance perfectly captured Hong Kong's lively cultural spirit and the exceptional skill of its musicians, earning high praise from local guests.

Ends/Monday, February 23, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:05

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