events

Atlanta visit seeks to enhance Hong Kong-Georgia ties

Proposing a toast to welcome the Year of the Rat at the Chinese New Year Reception in Atlanta are (from right to left): President of the Hong Kong Association of Atlanta and Executive Director of Troutman Sanders LLP Bill Ramsey, Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA Margaret Fong, Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (New York) Monica Chen and Senior Consultant of the Hong Kong Information Center in Atlanta Eugene Hanratty.

Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA Margaret Fong hosted a Chinese New Year reception February 29 at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art for approximately 170 visitors from the city’s business, legal, government and academic sectors.            

While in Atlanta, Miss Fong paid a courtesy call on Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, during which she updated him on the latest developments in Hong Kong, including the territory’s economic performance and the trading opportunities between Hong Kong and Georgia, especially in the logistics sector. She also highlighted the ongoing exchange programs between universities in Hong Kong and Georgia.  Miss Fong extended an invitation to Mr. Cagle to visit Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA Margaret Fong (left) called on Georgia Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle (center) and updated him on the latest developments in Hong Kong. Director of Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (New York) Monica Chen also attended the meeting.

Miss Fong also met Commissioner Ken Stewart of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, who noted his state is expanding its port facilities, especially in Savannah and Brunswick.

Mr. Stewart noted research and development in biotechnology and the medical fields are top state priorities. He discussed the Georgia Research Alliance, which is funded by the government to bring in eminent scholars in the areas of bio-science, including life science and bio-fuels.

Miss Fong indicated interest in establishing contact with the alliance, especially in light of the recently launched Research Endowment Fund in Hong Kong.

In Atlanta, Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA Margaret Fong (right) and Director of Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (New York) Monica Chen (left) met Commissioner Ken Stewart of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Miss Fong visited with Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, who expressed great appreciation for the insight to financial planning and urban planning she gained from her trip to Hong Kong. 

The commissioner took the opportunity to update Ms. Franklin on the latest developments in Hong Kong and also briefed her on the Research Endowment Fund, which encourages Hong Kong universities to seek collaboration opportunities in research and development with overseas universities.

Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA Margaret Fong (left) held discussions with Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin in late February.