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HKETO, Washington DC hosts celebratory Chinese New Year reception (with photos)
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     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC (HKETO, Washington DC) hosted a Chinese New Year reception to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Horse and promote Hong Kong in Washington DC, the United States (US) on February 25 (Washington DC time). Some 700 distinguished guests from the US Government, Congress, private sector, academia, media, think tanks, diplomatic community, and local community attended the event.

     The reception started with a recital by acclaimed Hong Kong-born pianist Aristo Sham. In 2025, Mr Sham won both the prestigious Gold medal and the Audience award at the 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth, Texas. Mr Sham's repertoire ranged from classical to traditional, including Mr Sham's world premiere of Hong Kong composer Elliot Leung's new work "Neon Murals". 

     Addressing the audience, the Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, Ms Elania Luk, thanked Mr Sham for his enchanting performance. Ms Luk reported that Hong Kong's economy was buoyed in 2025 as external trade remained strong, private consumption rebounded, and fixed investment accelerated. Looking ahead, the economy is expected to maintain its momentum in 2026, with forecast growth of 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent.

     Ms Luk added that Hong Kong continues to be an attractive destination for American companies. The US is the second largest source of foreign companies in Hong Kong, with some 1 500 American companies calling the city home. There are tremendous opportunities for American start-ups, which can tap the city's renowned universities and research institutes, entrepreneurial talent, and deep pool of investors to scale up their operations and ambitions.

     Ms Luk stressed that the US has long enjoyed a sizeable trade surplus with Hong Kong, reaching over US$28 billion in 2025. She highlighted opportunities in the agriculture sector. With a population of some 7.5 million people, Hong Kong is the US's seventh largest export market for beef and beef products, importing over US$400 million. She also reiterated Hong Kong's commitment to free trade, noting that the city was once again ranked by the Fraser Institute as the world's freest economy last year.

     In addition, Ms Luk updated the audience on Hong Kong's noteworthy developments in the financial sector, including financial innovation and being the world's leading venue for initial public offerings.

     "Hong Kong's status as an international education hub has further elevated," Ms Luk said. "Our higher education institutions are globally recognised, with five universities ranked in the world top 100 and top 10 in Asia. The Study in Hong Kong Week currently taking place showcases the city's education credentials and opportunities for overseas students". Ms Luk encouraged American students and talent to study or work in Hong Kong to advance their education goals and accelerate their career trajectory.

     Hong Kong is an international aviation hub. Hong Kong International Airport continues to connect nearly 200 destinations worldwide and is the world's busiest cargo airport. Ms Luk thanked Cathay Pacific Airways for supporting the event.  This year marks the 80th anniversary of Cathay Pacific Airways. The airline connects to more than 100 destinations worldwide, including six cities in the US. The relaunch of the Seattle nonstop service starting end of March connects customers in the Pacific Northwest to Hong Kong and beyond, supporting Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub.
 
Ends/Friday, February 27, 2026
Issued at HKT 21:43
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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC hosted a Chinese New Year reception on February 25 (Washington DC time) in Washington DC, the United States. The programme of the reception captures the spirit of East meets West, featuring a recital by Hong Kong-born pianist Aristo Sham and traditional lion dances.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC hosted a Chinese New Year reception on February 25 (Washington DC time) in Washington DC, the United States. Photo shows celebrated Hong Kong-born pianist Aristo Sham performing at the event.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC (HKETO, Washington DC) hosted a Chinese New Year reception on February 25 (Washington DC time) in Washington DC, the United States. Photo shows the Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, Ms Elania Luk, speaking to some 700 distinguished guests.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC (HKETO, Washington DC) hosted a Chinese New Year reception on February 25 (Washington DC time) in Washington DC, the United States. Photo shows the Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, Ms Elania Luk, dotting the eyes of the lions to mark the start of a lion dance.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC hosted a Chinese New Year reception on February 25 (Washington DC time) in Washington DC, the United States. Guests were captivated by a traditional lion dance performance.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC hosted a Chinese New Year reception on February 25 (Washington DC time) in Washington DC, the United States. Photo shows the Senior Vice President (Americas) of Cathay Pacific Airways, Ms Cindy Lam, speaking to the audience.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC hosted a Chinese New Year reception on February 25 (Washington DC time) in Washington DC, the United States. Some 700 guests joined the event, ushering in the Year of the Horse.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC hosted a Chinese New Year reception on February 25 (Washington DC time) in Washington DC, the United States. Guests were served traditional dim sum and local Hong Kong-style food, showcasing Hong Kong's unique food culture.