The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London (London ETO) celebrated the Year of the Horse in the United Kingdom (UK) with a series of festive and promotional events, showcasing Hong Kong's dynamism and further strengthening ties between Hong Kong and the UK.
      
     On February 26 (London time), the London ETO hosted an evening reception in London in collaboration with Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Earlier, on February 22, the London ETO supported large-scale Chinese New Year celebrations organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association at Trafalgar Square, Chinatown and Charing Cross Road, bringing the festive spirit to the heart of Central London.
      
     Welcoming over 400 guests to the reception on February 26, the Director-General of the London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, expressed appreciation for the long-standing economic and cultural links between Hong Kong and the UK. Guests included UK government officials, London borough mayors, senior diplomats, business leaders, academics, media representatives and members of the Chinese community.
      
     In her remarks, Miss Chau outlined key measures in the 2026-27 Budget, newly announced by the Financial Secretary on February 25 in Hong Kong. These include increased resources for AI+ development, life and health technology, as well as measures to strengthen support for emerging industries and new industrialisation.
      
     Miss Chau also highlighted the Northern Metropolis as an important driver of innovation and technology development, creating an innovation corridor linking Hong Kong with other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. She emphasised that the development will open up new opportunities for collaboration with global partners, including the UK.
      
     At the Chinese New Year celebrations on February 22, vibrant cultural and musical performances drew large crowds across Central London. Miss Chau joined distinguished guests including the Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice of London, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard; Member of Parliament for Cities of London and Westminster Ms Rachel Blake; and the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Mr Paul Dimoldenberg, in greeting members of the public from an open-top double-decker bus and on stage at Trafalgar Square.
      
     Under the Economic and Trade Express platform, the London ETO, together with Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, hosted six celebratory and promotional events in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and the UK to mark the Year of the Horse, showcasing Hong Kong's role as an international financial, trade and innovation centre.

Ends/Friday, February 27, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:43

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