2012

First Hong Kong Day held in Albany, New York
The first Hong Kong Day reception in the New York State Assembly, Albany was held successfully on May 22 with over 170 members and staffers of the legislatures attending. Details here.

Hong Kong is the bridge between US and China businesses:
Director Chan
Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Miss Anita Chan, highlighted Hong Kong's key bridging role for US-China trade at the “US-China: New Business Partnerships” conference at Hofstra University on May 8. Details here.

Strengthening trade ties with Arkansas
Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr. Donald Tong highlighted Hong Kong’s open door to expatriate professionals worldwide during a visit to Arkansas in late April. Details here.

Director promotes cultural hub to Brown students
Ms Anita Chan, HKETONY director spoke at the Brown University in Rhode Island on Hong Kong’s development as a cultural hub on April 12. Details here.

Hong Kong’s new force in art and design showcased in New York
Hong Kong with its highly cosmopolitan ambience, free flow of information and people and a unique East-meets-West culture provides a rich nurturing ground for creative talents, and design industry has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in the city, said Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr. Donald Tong, speaking at the “Hong Kong: New Force in Artand Design” forum, held for the first time, at Asia Society in New York on April 4. The video of the forum can be seen here

The forum featured: Gary Chang, Managing Director, EDGE DesignInstitute; Bob Dickensheets, Associate Director of External Affairs, Savannah College of Art and Design; James Law, Chairman and Chief Cybertect, James Law Cybertecture International; Ingrid Dudek, Vice President and Senior Specialist, Asian 20th Century and Contemporary Art, Christie's. Susan S. Szenasy, Editor in Chief of Metropolis, was the moderator. Details of an interview with James Law can be seen here

Details of the interview with Gary Chang can be seen here

Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury visits Boston
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan, shared his vision for Hong Kong as the world's premier offshore Renminbi (RMB) business centre and a leading international financial center at the "Hong Kong: China's Global Financial Centre" Conference in New York on March 15, before he visited Boston where he was the guest of honour at the Spring Reception organized by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY). In Boston, Professor Chan also addressed Hong Kong's role as a global financial center at a luncheon talk, organized by the HKETONY, the Hong Kong Association of Massachusetts and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Professor Chan was also interviewed on NECN's "This Week in Business". The interview can be viewed here

Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury attends spring reception in Boston
Hong Kong Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Professor K.C. Chan was the guest of honour at the Spring Reception in Boston, organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY) on March 15. Details here.

Director promotes Hong Kong in Philadelphia
Graduates and undergraduate students in Philadelphia learned more about the latest developments and opportunities in Hong Kong from Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Miss Anita Chan, during her visit on February 21, 2012. Details here.

HKETONY ushers in Year of the Dragon in Atlanta and Miami
To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY), hosted spring receptions in Atlanta and Miami on February 8 and 9, respectively, for key representatives from the academic, business, government and media sectors. Details here.

Hong Kong and Chicago forge ahead with closer ties
Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr Donald Tong, welcomed the many growing ties between Hong Kong and Chicago, the largest city in the state of Illinois, at a Spring Reception on February 2.

Affirming the strengthening of Hong Kong-Chicago ties, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, in a letter on the festive reception, commended the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), New York, for its commitment to enhancing the economic relationship between the two places.

University students show keen interest in Hong Kong
The university students joining the Chinese New Year reception in New York on January 27 have expressed keen interest in Hong Kong and the work by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETO), and the HKETO will engage them in various activities and events of interest to them in future.

Held by the HKETO for the first time for university students, the reception was attended by more than 80 students from eight universities. They came from Columbia University, Fashion Institute of Technology, Hunter College, New York University, Penn State University, Princeton University, St. John’s University and The New School.

Bumper trade growth shows ever closer ties between US and Hong Kong
Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA Donald Tong said spectacular trade-growth figures recorded in the past two years showed ever closer ties between the U.S. and Hong Kong.

Speaking at the January 26 spring reception, attended by about 400 guests in New York City, Mr. Tong said the U.S. had exported more than US$26 billion worth of goods to Hong Kong in 2010, making Hong Kong the 12th largest export destination for the U.S.

2011

Director fosters closer ties with Georgia and South Carolina

Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Ms. Anita Chan, visited Atlanta (GA) and Columbia (SC) on December 6 and 7 to foster closer ties.

In Atlanta, Ms. Chan spoke at the luncheon organized by the Atlanta Capital City Club, which was attended by about 110 senior executives from the city’s business, banking and government sectors. She also met with teaching staff and post-graduate students at the Georgia Tech Center for International Business Education and Research, Georgia Institute of Technology. She gave an update on economic performances and opportunities Hong Kong offers.

In her visit to Columbia, South Carolina, the first ever, Ms. Chan spoke at the luncheon organized by the Midlands International Trade Association, where she highlighted growing ties between Hong Kong and South Carolina. She also spoke to about 40 students at the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, which has had a program focusing on international business and Chinese enterprises jointly held with Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Dragon boat races end with a charity note

Ms. Anita Chan (third from right), Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, photographed with representatives of the dragon boat racing teams and beneficiary organisations in a check presentation ceremony on 16 November.

The ceremony was held after the Charity Boat Race participants in the recently held Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York had chosen their beneficiary organiations to donate their proceeds, which totalled $7,500.

The participanting teams for the charitable causes are DCH, HSBC and Shanghai Commercial Bank (SCB). Their chosen beneficiaries are respectively Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, Chinatown YMCA and International Leadership Foundation (ILF).

From right are: Randy Ng, DCH Team Captain; Jane Eng, Chief Executive Officer of Charles B Wang Community Health Center; Anita Chan; Elizabeth Lee, Senior Vice President, HSBC; Henry Wan, Chairman of HK Dragon Boat Festival in New York; Jeannette Corey, Executive Director of Chinatown YMCA; Yan Chou, ILF's representative, and Joseph Lau, SCB's Manager.

Winning photo highlights Dragon Boat Festival spirits

Ms. Anita Chan, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY), (2nd from right) presented award to the winner, Ruo Ru He of the 8th Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York Photo Contest on 31 October. Supported by HKETONY since its inception, the contest was organized by Sing Tao Daily New York.

During the ceremony, Ms. Chan congratulated the winners for skillfully capturing some wonderful moments of the Dragon Boat Festival this year. She hoped to see an even more spectacular festival to commenmorate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region next year.

On her left is Henry Wan, Chairman of the dragon boat festival organising committee. From left are Rick Ho, General Manager, Sing Tao Daily and Elizabeth Lee, Senior Vice-President, HSBC.

Bryant students learn about Hong Kong’s unique role as China's global financial center

Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Anita Chan, spoke October 25 at Bryant University in Rhode Island about the city’s premier role as China's global financial center.

Ms. Chan pointed out that Hong Kong continued to be ranked as the world's freest economy, citing the latest “Economic Freedom of the World: 2011 Annual Report”, released in September by Cato Institute, and published by Canada’s Fraser’s Institute. She also provided an overview of Hong Kong's financial-services sector and its unique role as China’s premier offshore Renminbi trading center.

Commissioner highlights Hong Kong's strengths for Kentucky and Indian businesses
Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr. Donald Tong encouraged local businesses in Kentucky and Indiana to leverage Hong Kong's strengths to gain access to markets in Mainland China and Asia.

Speaking at the respective luncheons hosted by the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce on October 18 and the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce on October 19, Mr. Tong highlighted Hong Kong’s pre-eminent role as a financial and business hub and provided updates on the latest economic developments in Hong Kong.

During his visit to Indiana, Mr. Tong also called on Governor of Indiana Mitch Daniels and met with the Mayor of Indianapolis Gregory A. Ballard.

In Kentucky, Mr. Tong met with Deputy Commissioner for Business Development of Kentucky State Cabinet for Economic Development Joe Kelly, and the President of Kentucky Senate Senator David Williams. The Commissioner also spoke at Georgetown College and met with members of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

US students shine in Chinese speech contest on Hong Kong
Students from American universities in the Greater New York area demonstrated their proficiency in Chinese in the final round of the inaugural Hong Kong Cup Chinese Speech Contest in New York on October 8, 2011.

The winner of the inaugural Hong Kong Cup Chinese speech contest is Kyle Ofori of Princeton University. First runner-up Nathaniel Jones and second runner-up Michael Becker are also from Princeton University. Their prizes include round-trip air tickets to the city, a short exchange program with university students and sightseeing tours whilst there and study tools such as netbooks.

Ms. Anita Chan, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY), which organized the contest, said she was pleased with the outcome and the achievement of the objectives of the contest, i.e. promoting a greater understanding of Hong Kong and Chinese learning as well as fostering closer ties between US and Hong Kong.

Record 72 teams compete in Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
A record 72 racing teams took part September 10 in the 16th Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, held at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue.

Speaking at the opening ceremony Anita Chan, Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, which sponsored the event, noted that the festival is an important event in the Chinese calendar and uniquely combines both traditional cultural and sports themes.

Seminar promotes role as Asia's logistics hub
About 200 executives attended the seminar-cum-luncheon “Hong Kong as Regional Logistics Hub – The Best Link in Your Global Supply Chain,” held September 6 in New York.

The program featured speakers from both Hong Kong and the U.S. They spoke on Hong Kong’s latest development as Asia’s key logistics hub; the city’s experience in handling pressing international logistics challenges; and how U.S. exporters and logistics providers can benefit from Hong Kong’s unique role and services.

The event was organized by Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office New York, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council and was supported by the U.S. Commercial Service, the Hong Kong Association of New York, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and media partner Journal of Commerce.

Met museum showcases Ming art collection from Hong Kong
The acclaimed Hong Kong collection of Ming loyalist art is on view at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Running from September 7, 2011 until January 2, 2012, the exhibition showcases more than 60 landscape paintings and calligraphies collected by late Hong Kong philanthropist Ho Iu-kwong. Drawn from one of the finest and most comprehensive private assemblages of the art of the Ming-Qing transition, “The Art of Dissent in 17th-Century China: Masterpieces of Ming Loyalist Art from the Chih Lo Lou Collection” highlights the intensely personal styles created by leading artists of that time. Particularly noteworthy are clusters of exceptional works by Huang Daozhou, Hongren, Bada Shanren (Zhu Da) and Shitao.

Record number of teams took part in 21st Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
A record 185 teams, involving more than 2,000 participants, competed at the 21st Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York (HKDBF-NY), held on August 13 and 14.

Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr. Donald Tong, was a guest of honor at this year’s festivities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Tong noted the success and popularity of the Festival, which has evolved from a modest 10 at the beginning to more than 180 teams vying for the top prizes at the Festival. He also highlighted the ties between Hong Kong and New York.

Director rings NYSE closing bell
Celebrating the 21st anniversary of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York (HKDBF-NY), Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY), Miss Anita Chan (front row, third from right), along with Chairman of the HKDBF-NY organising committee, Mr. Henry Wan (front row, fourth from right), and sponsors of the HKDBF-NY, rang the closing bell at New York Stock Exchange on August 11 (New York time). The HKDBF-NY, founded by HKETONY in 1991, has grown into one of the largest multi-cultural fairs in the metropolis as well as the biggest festival of its kind in the US. To be held August 13 and 14 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the festival will feature 180-plus dragon boat teams, involving more than 2,000 participants from across the US, and 5 teams from Canada to contest the prizes.

Director highlights Hong Kong’s growing arts and culture
Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY), Ms. Anita Chan highlighted Hong Kong’s unique cultural characteristics and efforts by the Hong Kong government to promote arts and culture when she met and spoke August 3 to 10 candidates of the Master of Arts in Arts Administration program at Goucher College in Baltimore.

During the session on “Hong Kong’s Development as a Cultural Hub,” Ms. Chan pointed out that Hong Kong offers a unique blend of East and West as well as an appealing mix of the old and new.

Ms. Chan provided an overview of Hong Kong’s local art scene and its emergence as a dynamic art hub of the world, highlighting the well-established Hong Kong Arts Festival; Art Hong Kong, one of the world’s leading contemporary art fairs; and the growing number of renowned international art galleries setting up in Hong Kong to complement existing local galleries, antique shops and thriving art auctions in the city. [More...}

Special focus on Hong Kong's "wu xia" films at 10th New York Asian Film Festival
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) has presented a special focus, “Wu Xia: Hong Kong’s Flying Swordsmen”, at this year’s festival. Co-presented with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY), the special focus highlighted various notable “wu xia” genre films from Hong Kong for the New York audience.

The NYAFF also paid tribute to legendary Hong Kong film director Tsui Hark, who is notable for bringing the “wu xia” film genre into the 21st century, honoring him with the Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award. The special focus included Mr. Tsui’s recent award-winning “Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame” as well as Mr Tsui’s masterpieces “The Blade,” “Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain” and “Dragon Inn”.

To celebrate this special occasion, the HKETONY hosted a reception at the Walter Reade Theatre this evening in honor of Mr. Tsui, who met the 150 guests attending the event.
Speaking at the reception, the Director of HKETONY, Miss Anita Chan, said Mr. Tsui and other Hong Kong filmmakers and professionals have achieved international recognition and acclaim through the years. “In the last 10 years, Hong Kong movies and film talents have won over 300 international awards at major film festivals,” she said.

More Hong Kong films coming on stream to New York
More Hong Kong movies will be brought to the New York audience this summer which underline Hong Kong’s premier movie capital status as well as its multiplicity of talents and artistic creativity, said Director for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Miss Anita Chan.

Speaking at the Museum of Chinese in America in New York City, prior to the screening of The Perfect Life, Miss Chan said besides sponsoring the film show, her office would also be bringing forth many Hong Kong "wuxia" (literally “martial arts”) films this summer by sponsoring the New York Asian Film Festival that will take place in early July.

US briefed on facilitation measures for wine trade in Hong KongHong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr. Donald Tong, urged the US wine industry to make use of new facilitation measures to tap into the tremendous growth potential of Hong Kong as a regional wine trading hub.

Addressing close to 300 guests at the “Wine Boom in Hong Kong” reception at the Asia Society in New York City on May 26 evening, Mr. Tong noted that with the Mainland market growing to as much as US$870 million by 2017, or about 60% of the Asian market, excluding Japan, according to market analysts, the potential for further growth in business opportunities for both wine traders and wine auction houses in Hong Kong was huge, given Hong Kong's proximity and cultural affinities with Mainland China, which is the world's fifth largest wine consumer.

Hong Kong is the third largest market for US wine and the US has become the city's fourth largest wine supplier.

Hong Kong is natural choice for Tennessee business
Citing Hong Kong’s strengths as an international air, sea and logistics hub, Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr. Donald Tong, said that Hong Kong was the natural choice for US and Tennessee companies to access the growing Mainland and Asian markets.

Speaking at the Traffic Club of Memphis business luncheon on April 19, Mr. Tong said the Hong Kong SAR Government was committed to enhancing the city’s position as the preferred regional logistics hub. Mr. Tong also highlighted Hong Kong’s unique role as China’s global financial center. He urged Tennessee businesses to consider leveraging Hong Kong’s experience to settle Mainland trade in RMB with over 67,000 Mainland enterprises.

During his visit to Nashville on April 18, the Commissioner called on the Governor of Tennessee, Bill Haslam; Mayor Karl Dean of Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson; and local business leaders. Mr. Tong stopped by County Lipscomb University and Vanderbilt University, where he spoke to students on the strengths and challenges for Hong Kong.

HKETONY hosts presentation for foreign trade commissioners
Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY), Ms. Anita Chan hosted more than 50 members of the Foreign Trade Commissioners Association in New York at the HKETONY office on April 13 for a presentation by Aaron Brickman, Director of Invest in America, of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In his presentation, Mr. Brickman discussed the foreign direct investment trends in the U.S. and the efforts and resources dedicated by the U.S. government in attracting FDI to the U.S.

HKETONY co-hosts networking event in New York
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, and the Hong Kong Association of New York co-hosted a networking night at the Asia Society on April 8, which was attended by more than 150 people.

In her welcoming remarks, Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Ms. Anita Chan, gave a quick overview of Hong Kong’s economy and highlighted the various factors that attract both business and leisure travelers to the city.

Guests at the event were also treated to a three-minute video “Faces of Hong Kong”, which showcases the richness of Hong Kong’s culture and heritage, as well as the enterprising spirit, innovation and creativity of its people.

Director highlights Hong Kong’s unique role as China’s global financial center
Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, Ms. Anita Chan spoke to an MBA class of over 30 students at Baruch College in New York on “Hong Kong – China’s Global Financial Centre” on April 6.

Pointing out that Hong Kong is the only place in the world where the China advantage and world class sophistication converge, Ms. Chan highlighted Hong Kong’s role as the premier Renminbi offshore center.

On April 7 and April 11, Ms. Chan also spoke to students from New York University and Brown University, respectively, on Hong Kong’s unique role as an offshore RMB center.

Commissioner forges ties in North Carolina
Donald Tong, Hong Kong commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, met business leaders March 23-24 while visiting North Carolina.

In Raleigh, the commissioner called on North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Keith Crisco and Don Hobart, the governor’s senior advisor for Business and Economic Affairs, to update them on the latest economic performances in Hong Kong. He also briefed them about the territory’s leading position as an offshore renminbi center.

Mr. Tong also visited the Research Triangle Region to understand how public-private partnerships held businesses and communities in the area and spoke to more than 100 MBA students at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University on opportunities in Hong Kong and its leading role as an international business and financial center. The commissioner also addressed more than 50 business executives at a breakfast event organized by the World Affairs Council of Charlotte.

Miami Mayor presents proclamation to Hong Kong CommissionerThe Mayor of Miami Tomas P. Regalado presented a proclamation to Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Donald Tong, in recognition of his outreach efforts to promote trade, economic and cultural ties between Miami and Hong Kong, during the latter's visit to Miami on March 15 and 16, 2011.

During his meeting with Mayor Regalado, Mr. Tong provided the Mayor with an update on the latest developments in Hong Kong, especially on the city’s role as China’s global financial center and as an offshore center for Renminbi businesses.

"Hong Kong: China's Global Financial Center Conference" held in New York
On March 1, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, supported by Invest Hong Kong, Hong Kong Monetary Authority and Securities and Futures Commission, hosted Hong Kong: China's Global Financial Center Conference in New York City.

This event marked the first time that the Government of the Hong Kong SAR brings together in New York leading asset managers, fund managers and economists to discuss Hong Kong's role as China's global financial center. The keynote speakers at the conference are:

• Ms. Julia Leung, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Government of the Hong Kong SAR
• Mr. Martin Wheatley, CEO, Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)
• Mr. Eddie Yue, Deputy Chief Executive, Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)

Presentation by the various speakers can be found on the Web site [http://www.investhk-ny.com/]

Hong Kong Commissioner calls on Georgia Governor in Atlanta
Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr. Donald Tong (right), called on Georgia Governor Mr. Nathan Deal on February 14, 2011, during the commissioner’s visit to Atlanta.

During the meeting, Mr. Tong gave an update on the latest economic situation of Hong Kong. He also informed Governor Deal of the positive first-year enrollment numbers for the Hong Kong campus of the Savannah College of Arts and Design. The Georgia-based university opened its Hong Kong campus in September 2010.

HKETONY celebrates the Year of Rabbit in Chicago
Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr Donald Tong, in the Spring Reception today (February 10, Chicago Time) invited Midwest-based companies to take advantages of Hong Kong’s position as the Renminbi off-shore trading center to extend their business into Mainland China and Asia. “In the past year, Hong Kong saw increased activities in the RMB bond market. McDonald’s became the first foreign non-financial company to issue RMB bonds in HK last August,” said Mr Tong.

HKETONY hosts spring reception to welcome Year of the Rabbit
Hong Kong will serve as a lucrative end market for United States’ businesses and a valuable gateway to the Mainland China market with the strengthening of the global economy, Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr Donald Tong, said today (February 8, New York Time).

Speaking at a spring reception attended by about 400 guests in New York, Mr Tong said there were many investment opportunities in store. A pilot program allowing HK and foreign companies to settle cross-border trade transactions in Renminbi (RMB) with eligible enterprises on the Mainland in Hong Kong has been launched.