Press Release - March 15, 2007

To mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Chinese community in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is organizing a "Bauhinia Gala" to celebrate the "Hong Kong Spirit" and the successful implementation of the "One country, two systems" principle.

Spearheaded by the Centre for Information and Community Service of Ontario (CICS), a non-government organization providing settlement services for new immigrants, the Bauhinia Gala has already received support from over 20 Chinese community associations in the GTA, as well as the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (HKETO), Consulate General of People’s Republic of China in Toronto, and the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

One of the highlights of the "Bauhinia Gala" will be the unique menu prepared to showcase the exceptional recipes and cuisine from nine South China Provinces – Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hunan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Jiangxi, Fujian and Hainan -- and the two Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau – hence the theme "9+2".

Speaking at a press conference held today (Thursday) to unveil details of the event, the Director of the HKETO in Canada, Mr Bassanio So, said the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR is not only an important occasion for all the people in Hong Kong, but also for all Chinese around the world.

"The "Bauhinia Gala", with its theme "9 +2", signifies the close economic integration between Hong Kong, the nine provinces in southern China and Macao.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank CICS for their organization of this spectacular event and am particularly pleased with the participation of such a large number of community groups. The event would not be made possible without the dedicated leadership of the Gala's co-chairs and the strong support of the Chinese community," Mr So said.

Also attending today's press conference were the Gala's four co-chairs: Mr. Dennis Au Yeung, Mr. George Mok, Mr. Henry Kwong, Ms Rita Tsang and some VIP guests.

The Bauhinia Gala will be held on June 15 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Proceeds of the Gala will go towards the proposed Immigrant Resource Centre of CICS to be built in the GTA.

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For more information, please contact: Elison Chu, Senior Information Officer of the HKETO at(416)924-5544 or email [email protected]

Pictured at the official launch of the Bauhinia Gala are HKETO Director, Mr Bassanio So (centre), Deputy Consul-General of the Consulate General of People's Republic of China in Toronto, Mr Hao Guangfeng (third right) and Hong Kong Tourism Board Assistant Manager, Marketing, Ms Karisa Liu (second right), with gala co-chairs and VIP guests each holding a flag representing the 9+2 provinces (Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hunan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Jiangxi, Fujian and Hainan; and the two Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao).

Click here to download a Chinese version of this press release in PDF format.