HKETO Berlin celebrates Year of Snake
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) held a Chinese New Year reception in Berlin, Germany, on February 13 (Berlin time) to celebrate the Year of the Snake. About 160 guests including government officials, senior diplomats and leading figures of the political, business and cultural sectors of Germany attended the reception.
In her welcome remarks, the Director of HKETO Berlin, Ms Jenny Szeto, briefed the guests on Hong Kong's encouraging achievements during the past year. "Despite the challenges of a global economic slowdown, Hong Kong's economy grew by 2.5 per cent in 2024, and we rose again to third place in the Global Financial Centres Index, setting the stage for a strong start to the year."
Ms Szeto also highlighted various initiatives that consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international centre in the eight key areas. She added that with the implementation of further liberalisation measures under the amended Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, Hong Kong's unique advantages as a gateway to Mainland China, would be further enhanced. Complemented by other facilitating initiatives such as multiple-entry visas for foreign staff of Hong Kong-registered companies, the investment, trade and people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and the Central and Eastern European countries will continue to be strengthened.
HKETO Berlin also hosted a reception in Bratislava, the Slovak Republic on February 12 (Bratislava time) in co-operation with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Six other receptions will be organised in Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Switzerland.
To promote the excellent work of Hong Kong artists abroad, HKETO Berlin has invited Hong Kong artists including Hong Kong dance group R&T (Rhythm & Tempo) and the Hong Kong Arts Centre (Comix Home Base), to perform at the receptions and showcase the vibrancy, diversity and creativity of Hong Kong's East-meets-West culture.
About HKETO Berlin
HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany as well as Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.
HKETO Berlin celebrates Year of Snake Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO Berlin celebrates Year of Snake Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO Berlin celebrates Year of Snake Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies
A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.
Mr Chan Kin-por, Photo source: reference image
On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.
Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.
A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.
Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post
