Calgary Celebrates Hong Kong Week

There were fireworks in Calgary as Hong Kong Week was launched as part of GlobalFest Hong Kong Celebration, on August 24. A team from Hong Kong successfully defended its title at the 10-day annual international fireworks competition.

Launched four years ago, GlobalFest is one of Calgary’s pre-eminent multi-cultural festivals and Canada’s premier fireworks competition. Noting the far-reaching impact of Hong Kong on Calgary’s culture, Mayor Dave Bronconnier said that “Hong Kong Week offers an exotic and enlightening tour of Asian heritage and culture.” As well as lighting up the skies, Hong Kong Week also presented contests, a Chinatown Street Festival and a business luncheon. 

The Hong Kong Tourism Board staged a “Win a Discover Hong Kong Holiday for Two” contest, with the winner receiving 2 return air tickets, hotel and sightseeing tours. 

The annual Calgary Chinatown Street Festival offered a day of live entertainment, culinary delights and cultural activities, as well as a display about Hong Kong, Asia’s World City, and an airing of the documentary, “The Hong Kong Connection – Canada and the New China”. 

The event’s opening ceremonies also gave Mr Bassanio So, Director of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, the opportunity to thank the city of Calgary for recognizing Hong Kong’s vibrant culture and thriving spirit. He also told dignitaries and guests that despite a series of challenges, including the Asian financial crisis and the SARS outbreak, Hong Kong boasts impressive economic indicators. Hong Kong’s stock market now ranks second in Asia and eighth in the world in terms of market capitalization, while visitor arrivals in the first 7 months of 2006 have reached 14.38 million, a 10.3% increase over 2005. 

The proclamation of Hong Kong Week by Calgary “signifies the close ties between the two places,” said Mr. So. “We treasure so much our expanding trade links, and Hong Kong is playing an important role as Calgary’s gateway to the mainland China market.”

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