Press Release - August 31, 2004

A gigantic Genki kite, the first largest ever seen in Toronto, was unveiled today (August 31) to promote Hong Kong at the official launch of the KiteFest 2004. Specially commissioned by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Canada) (HKETO), the Premier Sponsor of the event, the �Genki� kite, featuring a flying dragon, was specially made in China�s kite capital of Weifang to mark the 10th anniversary of Canada�s largest and most colorful kite festival.

Through the participation of the gigantic Genki kite and 4,000 smaller kites from Hong Kong, the HKETO takes the opportunity to further enhance Canadians� understanding on Brand Hong Kong. While on display at the launch, the gigantic Genki kite captured the attention of the participants and media, who were impressed by the intricate and excellent craftsmanship of the 20 square metre kite and the visual image of Brand Hong Kong which represents the attributes of Hong Kong, Asia�s world city.

Introducing the Brand Hong Kong Genki kite to attending guests, the Director of the HKETO, Mr Bassanio So, said, � Every world-class city has a personality � attributes that make it distinctive, memorable and instantly identifiable. The visual identity of Brand Hong Kong�s dynamic and contemporary rendering of this powerful and energetic dragon reflects the core values of Brand Hong Kong, which are best described as �progressive�, �free�, �stable�, �opportunity� and �high quality�.

�All this unique qualities make Hong Kong the best place to do business,� he added.

To generate public interest on the gigantic Brand Hong Kong Genki kite, a contest is organized to guess its perimeter. The lucky winner would be awarded an $8,000 Hong Kong Winter Fest holiday package including a Hong Kong-Toronto economic class round ticket with a 5-night holiday package, courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board, Cathay Pacific Airways and Harbour Plaza Hotels and Resorts.

The gigantic Genki kite, invented by Nop Velthuisen of Holland in the 1980s, bears a meaning from a Japanese word for health. Its aerodynamic design allows it to fly in winds as light as 3 kilometres per hour.

The Toronto KiteFest 2004 would take place on September 18 and 19 at the Milliken District Park in Scarborough. This annual event attracts more than 80,000 kite fliers and spectators, including international kite teams form Canada, China. Italy, Germany, Japan and the United States.


For more information, please contact: John Tam, Chief Information Officer of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office at: (416) 924-5544 or email: [email protected] or Elison Chu, Senior Information Officer, [email protected]