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Director, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office at the Reception to launch the Brand Hong Kong Campaign Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building June 1, 2001 Honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen, Thank you for joining us this evening to launch the "Brand Hong Kong" in Canada. Hong Kong's transformation from a small fishing village to a world-class city is legendary. The city is a unique creation of history. Though the majority of the population is ethnically Chinese, we have also assimilated western culture and values and through this process, we have developed our own identity and personality. With the change of sovereignty and the city's reunification with the Mainland of China, Hong Kong is once again on the world stage as we carry on our success story under the 'One Country Two Systems' principle. But to our overseas audience, what can best symbolise Hong Kong? How can we let our friends in Canada and elsewhere know what Hong Kong stands for? "Brand Hong Kong" is a new competitive positioning for Hong Kong. As you can see from the backdrop of the stage, the energetic dragon, which incorporates both the Chinese characters for Hong Kong and the letters "H" and "K", is a very modern interpretation of a traditional icon. This dual expression symbolizes a blend of East and West that characterizes Hong Kong. Another striking element - the multi-colored dragon's tail - depicts Hong Kong's dynamism. But what we are promoting is not just a visual identity of Hong Kong. The special presentation of "Brand Hong Kong" is part and parcel of our continuing global strategy to focus the world's attention on the many facets of Hong Kong. The energetic dragon, which will be used to promote Hong Kong extensively in the international arena, captures Hong Kong's passion to be daring and innovative. The new visual identity encapsulates Hong Kong's image as one of the world's most cosmopolitan and vibrant cities, reflects the rich culture and unique heritage and challenges you to explore Hong Kong as a visitor, an investor and an admirer. Hong Kong - a place to do business For business, the energy of the dragon means Hong Kong is the place where things happen, where business gets done. Our efficiency is second to none. Multi-national companies also appreciate Hong Kong's low tax regime, business friendly government policies, rule of law upheld by an independent judiciary and strong anti-corruption culture, world-class logistics infrastructure as well as its resourceful and well-educated workforce. That's why more than 3000 overseas companies chose Hong Kong as the base for their regional headquarters and offices last year. Hong Kong has been rated by the Heritage Foundation as the world's freest economy for seven consecutive years since 1995. Hong Kong is also the world's 9th largest trading entity in goods in 2000, our stock exchange had a capitalization of C$886 billion at the end of April this year, and we are Asia's largest venture capital center. I believe that I cannot stress further the importance of the massive Chinese market, especially after China's entry into the World Trade Organization. Hong Kong will be able to leverage its proximity to and its ties and contacts with the Mainland to assist international investors to tap on the enormous opportunities that will emerge in China over the next few decades. Hong Kong - a transportation and IT hub According to Chinese legends, the dragon is also a creature that flies in the sky and swims in the ocean. In the modern day context, the numerous aeroplanes taking off and landing at our state-of-the-art airport and fleets of vessels sailing in and out of the world's busiest container terminal reflect the vigorous energy emitted by this mythical sacred animal. But the pulsating beat of the city is best illustrated by the comprehensive fibre-optic network which links every corner of the world to Hong Kong. High connectivity, excellent telecommunications infrastructure and projects such as the Cyberport and Science Park help to establish and nurture a world-class technology community dedicated to applied research and development. Hong Kong - a place to visit To many visitors, Hong Kong is the city which marvels and fascinates. Its gleaming highrises, endless traffic and crowds of pedestrians contrast with the traditional temples and old rural villages. No wonder Hong Kong is the most popular single city tourist destination in Asia. Over 13 million visitors went to Hong Kong in 2000, of whom 137,000 were Canadians. To our visitors, Hong Kong represents a unique mix of East and West, blending Chinese heritage, British colonial influences, hi-tech modernity and Cantonese gusto. Hong Kong - Canada Link But the dragon's energy knows no boundary. The dynamic energy of Hong Kong makes it a natural hub for the movement of goods and its talented people can be found all over the world. In terms of bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Canada, Hong Kong is Canada's 4th largest trading partner in Asia after Japan, South Korea and mainland China and Canada exported C$1.31 billion worth of goods to Hong Kong last year. The flow is not confined to trading. Back in 1998, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Canada and Hong Kong on the sharing of information expertise in the information technology sector. This spirit of cooperation is further developed by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office and Sheridan College in Ontario which embarked on a multi-media award competition this year. I am glad to know that a Canadian student and a Hong Kong student have emerged as winners, their entries having clearly demonstrated the affiliation between Hong Kong and Canada. The Canada-Hong Kong link is nowhere as apparent as in our human link. Over 150 000 Canadian citizens are residents in Hong Kong, and there are almost 7 000 Hong Kong students studying in Canada. Immigrants from Hong Kong made up the majority of the Chinese Canadian population in Toronto and they have brought with them our rich cultural heritage, our entrepreneurial spirit and our business acumen. In other words, the values captured by our icon the stylized dragon. Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to "Hong Kong - Asia's world city". Back to "Speeches" |