Sydney ETO hosts gala dinner to celebrate 25th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR (with photos)
5.7.2022

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) hosted a gala dinner in Sydney, Australia, this evening (July 5) to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). More than 250 guests from various sectors including political and business circles, media, academic and community groups as well as government representatives attended the dinner. Amongst them were the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Australia, Mr Xiao Qian, and the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney, Mr Zhou Limin. Addressing the gala dinner in a virtual speech, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, highlighted that Hong Kong's business environment remains resilient as ever with its strong foundations. "We are one of the world's freest and most competitive economies, one of the world's top three global financial centres, the world's top three destination for foreign direct investment, the world's largest offshore Renminbi hub and the seventh largest stock market," Mr Hui said. "The total merchandise trade between Hong Kong and Australia amounted to over AUD9.5 billion last year despite the epidemic, an increase of 8.2 per cent compared to 2020. We are glad to see the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement. Hong Kong looks forward to joining the Agreement to further pursue the common goal of economic advancement with RCEP Members including Australia," he continued. Mr Hui added that Hong Kong is blessed with immense opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) development and the National 14th Five-Year Plan. Highlighting Hong Kong's various strengths underpinned by a free economy, a low and simple tax system, well-established infrastructural connectivity, and a market-oriented and international business environment, he encouraged Australian businesses to tap the vast business potential in the GBA, Mainland China and beyond with Hong Kong as their prime partner. The Director of the Sydney ETO, Miss Trista Lim, said in her welcoming remarks that the HKSAR's 25th anniversary is an important milestone for Hong Kong. "The theme of the celebration, 'A New Era &ndash; Stability &bull; Prosperity &bull; Opportunity', captures the remarkable achievements of Hong Kong over the past 25 years, while underscoring our strong confidence in a brighter future," Miss Lim said. "The unique advantages under 'one country, two systems' has made it possible for Hong Kong to fully integrate into our country's overall development, as we continue to strengthen our ties with the international world and enhance our status as an international metropolis. With the continued support from the Central Government and the concerted efforts of our community, Hong Kong will continue to overcome challenges and scale new heights in many more quarter centuries to come," Miss Lim continued. The gala dinner was a highlight in a series of events of Sydney ETO in Australia and New Zealand to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. To showcase Hong Kong's unique culture and traditions, the guests were served with Hong Kong-style cuisine and treated to a performance by a Chinese orchestra. For details on other celebration events of Sydney ETO, please visit www.hketosydney.gov.hk/eng/25A/celebrationevents.html .