First quarter GDP grows 8.2%
Hong Kong’s GDP grew 8.2% in real terms in the first quarter of 2010, after resuming positive 2.5% year-on-year growth the previous quarter. On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison, GDP rose 2.4% in real terms in the first quarter — the fourth consecutive quarter-to-quarter expansion.

Education official in New York on new academic structure
Hong Kong Permanent Secretary for Education Raymond Wong kicked off his U.S. tour on April 29 with a visit to New York City, promoting Hong Kong’s newly implemented New Academic Structure (NAS) and showcasing the territory’s efforts to enhance its status as a regional education hub.

Hong Kong-U.S. wine pact marks closer bilateral ties
Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Rita Lau signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Wine-related Businesses (MOU) with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke in Hong Kong on May 17.

Revitalized Brand Hong Kong goes global in Shanghai
Hong Kong recently unveiled to the world the logo of its revitalized city brand — a refreshed dragon icon — at Expo 2010 Shanghai China .

Kai Tak Cruise Terminal construction to start soon
On May 8, the Hong Kong government signed a design-and-build contract with Dragages Hong Kong for the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Building, marking an important step in the development of this project.

Trade ties with Maryland in focus
Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Donald Tong visited the state of Maryland in mid-April, where he met with government officials from the state and city governments, top business leaders as well as the academia to promote business opportunities in Hong Kong.