Hong Kong Celebrates Year of the Snake with Receptions Across Major US Cities

2025-03-14 08:18 Last Updated At：11:06

HKETO San Francisco rings in Year of Snake with Cathay Pacific

With support from Cathay Pacific, a carrier of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (HKETO San Francisco) hosted a series of spring receptions in San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; Los Angeles, California; and Dallas, Texas, between February 19 and 26 (local time), ringing in the Year of the Snake with festivities including lion dances and Guzheng performances. Nearly 700 local officials, dignitaries, academics, business representatives and community leaders attended the events.

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HKETO San Francisco rings in Year of Snake with Cathay Pacific Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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HKETO San Francisco rings in Year of Snake with Cathay Pacific Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Acting Director of HKETO San Francisco, Ms Iris Wong, delivered remarks on Hong Kong's latest developments. "Hong Kong's economy grew at an accelerated pace in the fourth quarter of 2024, and we anticipate further progress in 2025 - a trend we are excited to build on. This growth is made possible not only by local resilience but also by the strong international partnerships that sustain the city's economy," she said.

Reflecting on the decades-long partnership between the US and Hong Kong, she pointed out that Hong Kong and the US enjoy a mutually beneficial trade relationship. "US goods exports to Hong Kong last year totalled nearly US$26 billion, with the US enjoying one of its highest trade surpluses at over US$21 billion," she said.

An overview of Hong Kong business innovation was also introduced. "With supportive government policies, the number of start-ups has reached a record high of over 4 700. Over 50 strategic enterprises are set to establish their foothold or expand their operations in Hong Kong. In the coming years, they will invest a total of US$5.38 billion in total, creating over 17 000 jobs," she noted.

She also introduced a number of highly anticipated events in Hong Kong that cement its status as a must-visit global city, including Art Basel, the Coldplay concert, the French May Arts Festival, and Rugby Sevens. With world-class arts, culture and sports competitions and shows scheduled to take place throughout the year, Hong Kong provides unforgettable experiences for visitors, she concluded.

Also highlighted was Hong Kong's position as an international aviation hub. She said, "With its strategic location and world-class infrastructure, Hong Kong is connected to nearly 200 destinations worldwide. The completion of the Three-Runway System is expected to further boost the city's interconnectivity with the world, including the US."

Representatives from Cathay Pacific also spoke at the receptions, sharing news of the upcoming airline's first nonstop service between Hong Kong and Dallas-Fort Worth set to launch on April 24. In line with the anticipation that the Year of the Snake will be a year of evolution and new beginnings, the route will be Cathay Pacific's entrance to the southern region of the United States and the only nonstop route to Hong Kong available in Texas. At the reception in Dallas on February 26 (local time), Cathay Pacific Head of Corporate Sales, Americas, Mr Sebastien Granier, conducted a lucky draw to award a pair of round-trip business-class tickets between Hong Kong and the new destination.

The receptions concluded on a high note following a Guzheng performance by celebrated musician Melody Ho from Hong Kong. Featuring a Chinese New Year medley and her interpretation of classic melodies, the lively performance received enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Food Poisoning Cluster Affects 39, Including 37 Schoolchildren in Sha Tin; Investigation Underway

CHP investigates suspected food poisoning cluster

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 12) investigating a suspected food poisoning cluster affecting 39 persons. The CHP reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent foodborne diseases.

The case involved 37 students of a school in Sha Tin, comprising 23 males and 14 females, aged 5 to 11, and two staff members of the school, aged 34 and 38. They developed abdominal pain and diarrhoea, about 8 to 22 hours after having lunch provided by a school lunch supplier at the school on September 9. Two affected students sought medical advice, and none required hospitalisation. They are in stable condition. Other affected personshave mild symptoms and do not need to seek medical consultation.

Initial investigations of the CHP revealed that the affected persons consumed the same type of lunch boxes before onset of symptoms, pointing to food poisoning likely related to the consumption of marinated chicken leg and penne provided by the lunch supplier. Officers of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) (including personnel of the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) and the Environmental Hygiene Branch) and the CHP conducted a joint investigation at the school immediately. They examined the food storing and distributing processes and environmental hygiene at the school, and collected food samples at school for testing. The officers also provided preventive advice against food poisoning to the school.

Officers from the FEHD also inspected the lunch supplier concerned. They inspected the food storage, food preparation process and environmental hygiene. The CFS immediately instructed the supplier concerned to suspend serving the incriminated food items, and suspend operations today for thorough cleaning and disinfection. The CFS has also provided food safety and environmental hygiene education to the staff. Food and environmental samples were collected for testing.

The investigation of the CHP and the CFS is ongoing.

To prevent foodborne diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. When dining out, one should:

Avoid eating raw seafood;

Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters at a buffet;

Choose pasteurised eggs, egg products or dried egg powder for dishes that often use undercooked eggs;

Patronise only reliable and licensed restaurants;

Ensure food is thoroughly cooked before eating during a hotpot or barbecue meal;

Handle raw and cooked foods carefully and separate them completely during the cooking process;

Use two sets of chopsticks and utensils to handle raw and cooked foods;

Avoid patronising illegal food hawkers;

Drink boiled water;

Susceptible populations, including those with weakened immunity, the elderly, pregnant women and young children, are at a higher risk of foodborne diseases, so they should not consume raw or undercooked foods;

Refrain from trying to use salt, vinegar, wine or wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective; and

Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.

Hong Kong Celebrates Year of the Snake with Receptions Across Major US Cities

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