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Brussels ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties with Sicily, Italy (with photos)
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     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) has strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties between Hong Kong and Sicily, Italy, through a series of activities organised during a visit to Palermo from October 14 to 16 (Sicily time).

     Led by the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, the visit featured high-level meetings with Sicilian and Palermo government officials, exchanges with representatives of the cultural and academic sectors, a business seminar to promote Hong Kong's role as a strategic gateway to Asian markets, and a university sharing session to introduce Hong Kong's education and career opportunities for Italian students.

     Ms Yung met with several senior local officials, including the President of the Regional Assembly of Sicily, Mr Gaetano Galvagno; the Regional Minister of Infrastructure and Mobility of Sicily, Mr Alessandro Aricò; the Mayor of Palermo, Mr Roberto Lagalla; and the Councillor for Culture of the City of Palermo, Mr Antonio Rini.  These meetings enabled exchange of views on strengthening Hong Kong–Sicily co-operation and exploring areas of mutual interest.

     On October 15, the Brussels ETO conducted a business seminar in collaboration with Invest Hong Kong and the Sicilian regional trade association, Sicindustria, to promote Hong Kong's distinctive business advantages and latest market opportunities to the local business community.  Speaking at the seminar, Ms Yung highlighted Hong Kong's economic strengths and international connectivity, emphasising the city's increasingly prominent role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" in the global economy.

     "With our unique institutional strengths, extensive global connectivity and unparalleled access to the Chinese Mainland and the wider Asian markets, Hong Kong continues to serve as a trusted partner for international businesses and investors to navigate the increasingly complex international business environment and capture new opportunities for growth," she said.  Ms Yung also encouraged Sicilian enterprises and organisations to leverage Hong Kong’s strategic position, robust business ecosystem and extensive international networks to expand their reach across Asia and explore new avenues for collaboration.

     In addition, Ms Yung met representatives from the cultural and academic sectors, including the Rector's Delegate for International Cooperation at the University of Palermo, Professor Manfredi Rizzo, as well as the General Manager of Teatro Massimo, Mr Marco Betta.  The exchanges facilitated exploration of further academic and cultural collaboration between Hong Kong and Sicily.

     The Brussels ETO also gave a talk titled "Hong Kong Study and Career Opportunities" at the University of Palermo to promote Hong Kong as an international higher education hub and career destination for Italian students and young professionals.
 
Ends/Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Issued at HKT 1:21
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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels organised a series of activities in Palermo, Italy, from October 14 to 16 (Sicily time) to strengthen economic, academic and cultural ties between Hong Kong and Sicily. Photo shows the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung (centre), meeting with the President of the Regional Assembly of Sicily, Mr Gaetano Galvagno (right), and the Regional Minister of Infrastructure and Mobility of Sicily, Mr Alessandro Aricò (left).
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels organised a series of activities in Palermo, Italy, from October 14 to 16 (Sicily time) to strengthen economic, academic and cultural ties between Hong Kong and Sicily. Photo shows the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung (third right), meeting with the Mayor of Palermo, Mr Roberto Lagalla (third left), and the Councillor for Culture of the City of Palermo, Mr Antonio Rini (second left).
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels organised a series of activities in Palermo, Italy, from October 14 to 16 (Sicily time) to strengthen economic, academic and cultural ties between Hong Kong and Sicily. Photo shows the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung (third left), meeting with the Regional Minister of Infrastructure and Mobility of Sicily, Mr Alessandro Aricò (third right).
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) organised a series of activities in Palermo, Italy, from October 14 to 16 (Sicily time) to strengthen economic, academic and cultural ties between Hong Kong and Sicily. Photo shows a business seminar on October 15 (Sicily time) co-organised by the Brussels ETO, Invest Hong Kong and regional trade association Sicindustria, to promote Hong Kong's distinctive business advantages and latest market opportunities.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) organised a series of activities in Palermo, Italy, from October 14 to 16 (Sicily time) to strengthen economic, academic and cultural ties between Hong Kong and Sicily. Photo shows (from left) the Artistic Director of Teatro Massimo, Mr Alvise Casellati; the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung; the General Manager of Teatro Massimo, Mr Marco Betta; and Deputy Representative of the Brussels ETO Miss Venus Tsoi, after a meeting at the theatre.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) organised a series of activities in Palermo, Italy, from October 14 to 16 (Sicily time) to strengthen economic, academic and cultural ties between Hong Kong and Sicily. Photo shows a sharing session, held by Brussels ETO, at the University of Palermo to promote Hong Kong's higher education and career opportunities.