events

N.Y. reception honors Commissioner Fong

Executive Director of the Hong Kong Association of New York Mike Nocera (right) presented a token of appreciation to Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Margaret Fong at the reception in New York.

On September 19, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York and Hong Kong Association of New York co-hosted a farewell reception to honor Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Margaret Fong, who will return to Hong Kong in mid-October to take up a new post.

Speaking at the reception, Ms. Fong said that in her capacity as Hong Kong’s Commissioner to the U.S., she has traveled to 32 states and more than 60 cities. “Each is unique and offers immense opportunities to bring the already close ties between Hong Kong and your great country even tighter,” she said.  

Noting that New York is the city she visited most frequently, Ms. Fong praised it as a dynamic and vibrant city that attracts the best talents from around the world. It is also a world financial center and hosts the busiest port on the east coast.

“Hong Kong and New York share many of the same attributes,” said Ms. Fong. “Both cities are part of NY-Lon-Kong, the triangle of the top financial centers of the world.
“But what’s most important is that New Yorkers and Hong Kong people are resilient and resourceful. Both cities have survived tough times and come out stronger. And as an eternal optimist, I am confident that we will look back at these turbulent times and be happy that the spirit that defines New Yorkers and Hong Kongers remains as strong as ever.”           

Reflecting on her two years as Commissioner, Ms. Fong said she had the opportunity to celebrate two significant events in Hong Kong’s history in the U.S., namely the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in 2007 and Hong Kong’s co-hosting of the Olympics and Paralympics Equestrian Events this past summer. “Neither would have been as successful had it not been for the support you have given Hong Kong throughout the years,” she added.

Ms. Fong also said it was a great honor to preside at the Opening Bell Ceremony at NASDAQ on July 2, 2007, the first market day following the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. 

“This was particularly appropriate as NASDAQ was the first overseas stock exchange we developed a partnership with,” she said. “And that speaks to the long and close ties between two great cities. A tie I see continuing to grow by the day.”