​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels (Brussels ETO), continued its efforts to promote Hong Kong's wine and spirits industry as well as cultural and academic exchanges in Europe.

     A trade and cultural promotion programme was conducted in Sicily, Italy, featuring meetings with institutional and industry representatives, including the President of Associazione Sicilia, board members of wine associations and representatives of wine consortiums, to explore collaboration opportunities in the wine and spirits sector. Brussels ETO representatives also met the Rector of the University of Palermo to promote academic and student exchanges with universities in Hong Kong.

     On August 26 (Sicily time), Brussels ETO supported a performance by acclaimed Hong Kong pianist Rachel Cheung at the Palermo Classica International Festival 2026. Her programme featured works by Beethoven, Schumann, Tan Dun and Chopin. Around 200 people attended the concert and applauded her outstanding performance.

     Speaking at a networking dinner on August 27 (Sicily time), the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, described Cheung's performance at the festival as a fine example of how music can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries and bring people together. Ms Yung said Hong Kong and Italy shared a deep appreciation of arts and culture, and highlighted Hong Kong's commitment to promoting cultural exchange and strengthening its position as an international cultural hub where East meets West. 

     The Palermo Classica International Festival is a renowned summer music festival in Sicily. This year, it features more than 60 international musicians and 40 events, spanning classical music, jazz, film scores, tango, opera and symphonic rock.

Ends/Monday, August 31, 2026
Issued at HKT 2:18

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