Press Releases > 2017 > July 28
Reception in Melbourne to celebrate Hong Kong SAR’s 20th Anniversary
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) hosted a reception in Melbourne yesterday (July 27) to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).Over 150 guests from various sectors including the political and business circles, academic and community groups as well as government representatives attended the reception. Amongst them were Acting Chinese Consul General in Melbourne, Mr Huang Guobin; Australian Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, Ms Kelly O’Dwyer, and Special Minister of State of Victoria, Mr Gavin Jennings.
Speaking to the guests, the Director of HKETO, Mr Arthur Au, said in the past twenty years, the principle of “one country, two systems” had been successfully implemented and provided the foundation of Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.
“As the world’s most competitive economy, Hong Kong is now home to nearly 8,000 overseas and Mainland Chinese companies,” Mr Au said.
Hong Kong is also home to about 100,000 Australians. Work aside, they enjoy a wide selection of sports, arts and cultural events, such as Hong Kong Sevens.
“The cultural scene is set to attract more world-class performances and art displays when the new West Kowloon Cultural District prepares to open in phases in coming years,” Mr Au noted.
Cultural links between Hong and Australia will be further enhanced in next year’s Business Design Week, with Melbourne selected as the partner city of the event.
“This is Asia’s flagship event for the design industry which attracts more than 120,000 leading international designers, businesses and interested parties worldwide each year. Australian’s design will take centre stage at the event,” Mr Au said.
On Hong Kong’s economic development, Mr Au noted that initiatives like Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, and Bond Connect had further strengthened Hong Kong’s position as China’s international financial centre and world’s leading financial capital in Asia.
“We are set to take on more active roles in our economy, both as a facilitator and promoter. Apart from reinforcing Hong Kong’s traditional industries, we will promote the development of innovation and technology and creative industries,” he added.
He said the Government would continue to push ahead with various strategic infrastructure projects including a third runway at the Hong Kong International Airport, and an express rail line connecting Hong Kong to the Mainland’s high-speed rail network.
“These infrastructures, coupled with our world-class financial, professional and commercial services, will enable Hong Kong to play a pivotal role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area.”
On the relationship between Hong Kong and Australia, the two places have recently launched the free trade agreement negotiations.
“The agreement, once in place, will further strengthen economic links between Hong Kong and Australia, and create more opportunities for Australian companies in Asia through Hong Kong,” Mr Au said.
“Like those doing business on both sides, we look forward to the early commencement of the negotiations of a comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement between Hong Kong and Australia,” he added.
The reception was part of HKETO’s celebration activities in Australia to mark the 20th anniversary of the HKSAR. At the reception, HKETO presented Cantonese Opera performance by a group of young artists who travelled all the way from Hong Kong.
28.07.2017
