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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (HKETO, London), greeted the Chinese New Year (CNY) in traditional style by giving Londoners the chance to make wishes on a replica of the famous Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree in Chinatown on February 6 (London Time), the day before hosting its major London reception on February 7.
The HKETO, London took part in the famous London Chinatown CNY celebration in Trafalgar Square, Chinatown and Shaftesbury Avenue ― said to be the biggest CNY event outside Asia, with more than half a million people taking part - by creating "Hong Kong in London Chinatown". As well as sponsoring stage performances by local musicians and dancers, the office created a replica of The Wishing Tree, and thousands of people took part by throwing specially-made "wishes" at the tree, in the hope that they would stay in the branches so that the wishes would come true.
The following day, Director General of HKETO, London, Mrs Agnes Allcock welcomed over 500 friends of Hong Kong at London's Whitehall Banqueting House with the first of the office's series of CNY events in the countries under its purview.
Among the guests were such luminaries as former Governor of Hong Kong, Lord Wilson of Tillyorn; formerly Group Chairman of HSBC and currently Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Green; senior diplomats, officials and leading figures in the business world. Mrs Allcock briefed them on Hong Kong's achievements over the past year, and on the key role Hong Kong can play in helping UK companies do business with China. She said that Hong Kong has weathered the global financial downturn remarkably well, with a projected GDP growth of 6.5 percent for 2010.
She explained the crucial role of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle in this: allowing Hong Kong to benefit from its close economic ties with the Mainland while enjoying a high degree of autonomy and maintaining its unique way of life. The result, she said, is that Hong Kong has been voted the world's freest economy for the 17th consecutive year, ranking first on the Globalisation Index 2010, and achieving the second place in the World Competitiveness Yearbook.
Mrs Allcock also highlighted Hong Kong's growing importance as China's global financial centre. She said, "Our role in helping to internationalise the Chinese economy is increasingly important. Hong Kong has become the preferred platform for Chinese companies to go global, and for international firms to enter the China market." The increasing availability in Hong Kong of financial services bonds denominated in Renminbi has led to many international companies using them to help support their activities in the mainland, she added.
The reception also featured a lion dance featuring two lions and traditional Chinese music. Following this event, the HKETO, London will be organising or co-hosting receptions or trade and investment seminars in 12 cities across six countries.
In order to obtain a copy of Mrs Allcock's speech, email (general@hketolondon.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Issued at HKT 23:26
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