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New York ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties and promotes talent admission schemes in Atlanta (with photos)
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     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties and promoted talent admission schemes in Atlanta through hosting high-level meetings, sharing sessions in universities and participating in a dragon boat festival.

     The Director of New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, conducted a visit to Atlanta from September 10 to 12 (Atlanta time). During the visit, Ms Ho met with Managing Director of the Georgia Department of Economic Development Ms Stella Xu on September 10. Ms Ho provided an update on the latest developments in Hong Kong and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including opportunities to strengthen co-operation in trade, investment and innovation. On September 11, Ms Ho met with the Executive Director of Atlanta's Mayor Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, Ms Paulina Guzman. Later in the afternoon, she also met with Gainesville Mayor, Mr Zack Thompson, and Tourism Director, Ms Robyn Lynch. Ms Ho expressed her appreciation for the two cities' continued support and valued partnership.

     During her visit, Ms Ho met separately with senior representatives of Georgia's leading academic institutions, namely Emory University, Georgia State University and the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). The meetings explored opportunities to deepen academic and research collaboration, and expand student exchanges. Ms Ho also met with students at sharing sessions at Emory and Georgia Tech to introduce Hong Kong as a dynamic global business and financial hub. She highlighted the city's international career opportunities and extensive professional networks. She also outlined Hong Kong's various talent admission schemes and career pathways available to graduates, researchers and young professionals. Recent graduates from both institutions also took part in the sessions to share first-hand experiences and practical insights on establishing their professional careers in Hong Kong.

     Ms Ho concluded her visit on September 12. She officiated at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier Olympic Park. This year's festival attracted 60 teams and a total of 1 500 paddlers to participate in the races. It also introduced a new All-Cancer Paddler Division, welcoming survivors of all cancer types to compete together in a supportive and empowering environment. In addition, the festival also expanded its cultural and educational programming, celebrating Hong Kong's rich cultural heritage while fostering unity, understanding and community.
 
Ends/Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Issued at HKT 0:47
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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties and promoted talent admission schemes in Atlanta through hosting high-level meetings, sharing sessions in universities and participating in a dragon boat festival. Photo shows the Director of New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho (left), with Managing Director of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Ms Stella Xu (right) on September 10 (Atlanta time).
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties and promoted talent admission schemes in Atlanta through hosting high-level meetings, sharing sessions in universities and participating in a dragon boat festival. Photo shows the Director of New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, at the sharing session at Emory University on September 10 (Atlanta time).
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties and promoted talent admission schemes in Atlanta through hosting high-level meetings, sharing sessions in universities and participating in a dragon boat festival. Photo shows the Director of New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho (third right), with senior representatives of Emory University on September 10 (Atlanta time).
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties and promoted talent admission schemes in Atlanta through hosting high-level meetings, sharing sessions in universities and participating in a dragon boat festival. Photo shows the Director of New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho (second right), with senior representatives of Georgia State University on September 11 (Atlanta time).
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties and promoted talent admission schemes in Atlanta through hosting high-level meetings, sharing sessions in universities and participating in a dragon boat festival. Photo shows the Director of New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho (left), with the Executive Director of Atlanta's Mayor Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, Ms Paulina Guzman (right), on September 11 (Atlanta time).
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties and promoted talent admission schemes in Atlanta through hosting high-level meetings, sharing sessions in universities and participating in a dragon boat festival. Photo shows the Director of New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho (centre), with Gainesville Mayor Mr Zack Thompson (second left) and Gainesville Tourism Director Ms Robyn Lynch (second right) and other guests at the dragon public art installation in downtown Gainesville, Georgia on September 11 (Atlanta time).
The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, Ms Maisie Ho (second right), and other distinguished guests officiate at the eye-dotting ceremony of the 2026 Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier Olympic Park on September 12 (Atlanta time).
The dragon boat team of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York and the Hong Kong US Business Association of Atlanta, took part in the 2026 Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier Olympic Park on September 12 (Atlanta time).
The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, Ms Maisie Ho, speaks at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier Olympic Park on September 12 (Atlanta time).
The dragon boat team of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York and the Hong Kong US Business Association of Atlanta, took part in the 2026 Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier Olympic Park on September 12 (Atlanta time).
The 2026 Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier Olympic Park attracted 60 teams and a total of 1 500 paddlers to participate in races. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York had a festival booth to promote Hong Kong to visitors.