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Director-General of Investment Promotion visits Australia and New Zealand to promote Hong Kong’s business opportunities
The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), Mr Stephen Phillips, started his duty visit to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in Australia, and Auckland in New Zealand on 22 August as part of the latest efforts of InvestHK to promote Hong Kong’s business attractions, including the huge opportunities arising from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). During the visit, Mr Phillips would meet with high-potential companies from innovation and technology, financial services and family offices, fintech, business and professional services, and transport, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing sectors to discuss their plans of setting up or expanding in Hong Kong. He would also speak to start-ups and entrepreneurs of the Sydney Knowledge Hub of the University of Sydney to introduce the start-up ecosystem and talent attraction initiatives in Hong Kong.
More details here. |
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Economic situation in the second quarter of 2022 and latest GDP for 2022
The Government released on 12 August the Half-Yearly Economic Report 2022, together with the revised figures on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the second quarter of 2022. The Hong Kong economy improved in overall terms in the second quarter of 2022, but the extent of improvement was weaker than expected. Weakened global demand and continued cross-boundary transportation disruptions dragged heavily on export performance. Meanwhile, domestic activities saw some revival but the momentum softened in the latter part of the quarter. Real GDP decreased at a moderated pace of 1.3% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2022, after contracting by 3.9% in the preceding quarter. On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison, real GDP reverted to an increase of 1.0%.
More details here. |
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Updates on Hong Kong’s anti-epidemic measures
- From 12 August, inbound persons from overseas places or Taiwan are subject to quarantine under the “3+4” model, i.e. they are subject to compulsory quarantine in designated quarantine hotels (DQHs) for three days, followed by medical surveillance at home for four days, with multiple tests during medical surveillance and the monitoring period thereafter. They are subject to Amber Code restrictions under the Vaccine Pass during medical surveillance period, and are not allowed to enter high-risk premises involving mask-off or group activities, as well as other premises requiring key protection.
- From 12 August, all persons boarding flights to Hong Kong from overseas places or Taiwan are required to complete the online Health & Quarantine Information Declaration of the Department of Health (www.chp.gov.hk/hdf/) in advance to declare record of completion of vaccination and provide relevant information such as booking confirmation at DQHs, and present the health declaration QR code generated after completion of the declaration at check-in for verification by airlines for boarding.
- The Government has largely extended the existing social distancing measures until 7 September. Relevant measures include allowing all catering premises and scheduled premises to continue to operate subject to strict compliance with the requirements including use of the Vaccine Pass and the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile application. Other requirements, such as mask-wearing for citizens on transport carriers and in specified public places, as well as prohibition of group gatherings in public places, also remain in force.
- From 28 August, customers participating in a banquet activity are required to undergo a rapid antigen test (RAT) for COVID-19 conducted within the preceding 24 hours and present the negative result before they are allowed to enter the catering premises. The current testing requirements applicable to staff of catering premises will be extended to staff of scheduled premises - all staff of scheduled premises are required to undergo a RAT every three days before entering the premises.
Read more at the Fight Against COVID-19 website. |
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Celebration events of HKSAR 25th anniversary |
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Reception held in Auckland to celebrate 25th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR
HKETO hosted a reception in Auckland, New Zealand on 2 August to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The event was well attended by over 130 guests. Addressing the reception in a virtual speech, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, shared that with the unique advantages of “one country, two systems” and the unwavering support of the Central Government, Hong Kong has grown and prospered as Asia’s leading world-class city and will actively integrate into the country’s overall development. On the long-standing relationship between Hong Kong and New Zealand, Mr Yau noted that New Zealand is the first foreign economy that Hong Kong entered into a free trade agreement with and Hong Kong looks forward to joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to pursue further economic advancement with its members, including New Zealand. The Director of HKETO Sydney, Miss Trista Lim, said in her welcoming remarks that the theme of the 25th anniversary, “A New Era – Stability • Prosperity • Opportunity”, captures Hong Kong’s exemplary achievements and the strong confidence in a promising future. She looked forward to telling more good stories of Hong Kong in the years to come.
Details here.
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Reception held in Perth to celebrate 25th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR
HKETO hosted a reception in Perth on 10 August to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. Addressing the guests, the Director of HKETO Sydney, Miss Trista Lim, said that the principle of “one country, two systems” has been a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability in the past quarter century, ensuring the city’s unparalleled connectivity with Mainland China while preserving its competitive advantages. Miss Lim further highlighted the strong economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Australia as well as the close people-to-people links and arts and cultural exchange. She added that Hong Kong will seize the boundless opportunities under the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the GBA development to create strong impetus for growth, and there will be many more exciting stories ahead. |
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“Convergence” dance performance presented in Sydney to celebrate 25th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR
HKETO presented a dance performance “Convergence - A Journey of Chinese Dance & Martial Arts” in Sydney on 23 August to mark the 25th anniversary of the HKSAR. In collaboration with Hong Kong Dance Company (HKDC) and Sydney Dance Company Pre-professional Year (SDCPPY), the performance fostered the cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Australia in a hybrid format through an in-person performance by pre-professional year dancers from SDCPPY, an online dance production “Convergence” by HKDC as well as a virtual live dialogue session with representatives of HKDC. The event was well-received by around 100 audience members. The Director of HKETO Sydney, Miss Trista Lim, said in her welcoming remarks that the name of “Convergence” not only showcases the interdisciplinary collaborations of dance and martial arts, but also represents the uniqueness of Hong Kong as a melting pot of Chinese and Western cultures. She also welcomed all international dance companies to take the stage at the Lyric Theatre Complex at the West Kowloon Cultural District to be completed in 2024.
Details here. |
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Experience Hong Kong held in Sydney to celebrate 25th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR
A fascinating extravaganza “Experience Hong Kong” was held on 27 August at the Hordern Pavilion in Moore Park, Sydney to offer Sydneysiders a fun-filled day with a unique Hong Kong cultural and culinary experience. Organised by the New South Wales Chapter of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association (HKABA) and supported by HKETO, the event received overwhelming response with over 10 000 people attended. Food stalls delivering signature Hong Kong delicacies, as well as activities including a lion dance, martial arts, tai chi and a Chinese calligraphy demonstration, were presented for visitors to enjoy. Free rides on two vintage Hong Kong double-decker buses were also popular highlights at the event. Addressing the event in a virtual speech, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, said that with the dedication of the Government in recent years, Hong Kong is definitely one of the most important cultural and sports hubs in the world. In addition to highlighting the West Kowloon Cultural District as one of the world’s largest cultural projects, Mr Yeung shared with the participants the latest sports developments of Hong Kong, including the great success achieved by Hong Kong athletes in the recent Olympic Games. The Director of HKETO Sydney, Miss Trista Lim, said in her welcoming remarks that the event was a good occasion to showcase the uniqueness of Hong Kong’s arts and culture, echoing the National 14th Five-Year Plan which clearly supports Hong Kong to develop as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
Details here. |
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Other HKETO events |
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Director of HKETO Sydney attended the Business Awards Cocktail organised by the Western Australia Chapter of HKABA
The Director of HKETO Sydney, Miss Trista Lim, attended the Business Awards Cocktail organised by the Western Australia Chapter of HKABA on 11 August. Miss Lim shared with the participants that the total merchandise trade of Hong Kong reached more than AUD 1,830 billion in 2021, surpassing the pre-COVID high in 2018 by 15.6%. Miss Lim highlighted that unlimited opportunities lie ahead for Hong Kong under the National 14th Five-Year Plan, which expressly supports Hong Kong’s development of eight international centres and emerging industries. Miss Lim further shared with the participants the events organised by HKETO across Australia and New Zealand to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. HKETO looks forward to sharing more good stories of Hong Kong in the years to come. |
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Deputy Director of HKETO Sydney attended the Annual Gala Dinner of the 2022 Hong Kong Festival organised by the Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association (HKNZBA)
The Deputy Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Henry Mak, attended the Annual Gala Dinner of the 2022 Hong Kong Festival organised by the HKNZBA on 18 August. Mr Mak said that Hong Kong’s business environment is as resilient as ever with its strong foundations and the unique strengths under “one country, two systems”. Coupled with the unlimited opportunities brought about by the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the GBA development and other national initiatives, Hong Kong would definitely continue to be “the destination” for businesses. Mr Mak also highlighted the strong economic and trade ties, as well as the close people-to-people links and arts and cultural exchange between Hong Kong and New Zealand. |
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Deputy Director of HKETO Sydney attended TVB Anywhere Moon Festival 2022
The Deputy Director of HKETO Sydney, Mr Henry Mak, attended TVB Anywhere Moon Festival 2022 on 27 August. Mr Mak commended TVB Anywhere in his speech for its Chinese TV services to the Hong Kong and Chinese community living in Australia, as well as its charity events which contribute to the development of the community over the years. He added that Hong Kong and Australia have always enjoyed close people-to-people links and arts and cultural exchange. With the world continues to emerge from the challenges of the pandemic, Mr Mak looked forward to take the art and cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Australia to even greater heights with the local community in Australia. |
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Director of HKETO Sydney attended the “Hong Kong - Gateway to the Greater Bay Area” Business Seminar of the 2022 Hong Kong Festival organised by HKNZBA
The Director of HKETO Sydney, Miss Trista Lim, attended the “Hong Kong - Gateway to the Greater Bay Area” Business Seminar of the 2022 Hong Kong Festival organised by HKNZBA on 30 August. Miss Lim shared with the participants how Hong Kong can be New Zealand’s prime partner to tap the immense business potential presented by the GBA. She stressed that Hong Kong has always been the most effective springboard and intermediary between the world and Mainland China. With the further support by the tremendous opportunities opened up by the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is supported expressly in enhancing its status as an international financial centre, a global offshore Renminbi business hub, an international asset management centre and a risk management centre, as well as deepening and widening mutual access between the financial markets of Hong Kong and the Mainland, with a view to developing a vibrant GBA. |
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Fine Art Asia 2022 (Hong Kong)
To be held on 5-8 October, Fine Art Asia demonstrates museum-quality art works spanning over 5 000 years of cultural history, from ancient Chinese bronzes to contemporary art. This year’s event will feature exquisite antiques, art and design, as well as Japanese and Chinese crafts, ink art and photography. Art lovers and collectors can explore ancient and modern art works and discover more about the history of art.
More details here. |
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Joint Celebration Concert of Hong Kong City Hall 60th Anniversary & Hong Kong Arts Festival 50th Anniversary : Reflections on Refractions (Hong Kong)
From 16–17 September, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Hong Kong City Hall and the 50th anniversary of Hong Kong Arts Festival, Hong Kong Sinfonietta (HKS), led by Music Director Emeritus Yip Wing-sie, will present a dazzling programme of performances that include ‘AtLasT’, a dedicated work composed by HKS artist Charles Kwong for Hong Kong City Hall, and two classics from Bach and Stravinsky.
More details here. |
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