Hong Kong Celebrates Chinese New Year in Milan, Launching Year of the Horse and Supporting Winter Olympics Athletes.

Brussels ETO begins Chinese New Year celebrations in Italy

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) hosted a Chinese New Year reception in Milan, Italy, on February 9 (Milan time), marking the launch of its Year of the Horse celebrations. The event coincided with the visit of the Hong Kong, China delegation to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

In her welcome remarks, the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, expressed support for the Hong Kong athletes taking part in the Winter Olympics. She highlighted that the perseverance shown by athletes in overcoming challenges mirrors Hong Kong's economic resilience in the face of global uncertainties, as evidenced by the city's strong performance last year.

Noting that 2025 had been a fruitful year of bilateral exchange between Hong Kong and Italy, she encouraged businesses to build on the momentum of recent campaigns, including the "Think Business, Think Hong Kong" event in Milan and Italy's strong showcase at the "Business of Design Week" in Hong Kong, to further strengthen business partnership. "With a unique blend of East and West, Hong Kong is a city alive with arts and culture, sports and entertainment. From our world-class museums, stadiums, and dynamic arts scene to centuries-old traditions woven into daily life, Hong Kong offers a rich cultural diversity, creativity and vibrancy." she said, adding that Hong Kong attracted nearly 50 million visitors in 2025, a strong increase of 12 per cent from the previous year.

During the reception, Brussels ETO invited the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Ensemble to perform a programme featuring festive folk melodies and a medley of iconic Hong Kong television drama themes. The performance showcased the outstanding talents of Hong Kong musicians and the city's distinctive East-meets-West cultural character, which was greatly received by the local guests.

Co-organised by Brussels ETO, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Invest Hong Kong, the reception in Milan was attended by over 150 guests from the government, business, sports, art and culture, as well as representatives of the Hong Kong, China Winter Olympics delegation, including the President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), Dr Timothy Fok; the Honorary Secretary General of the SF&OC, Mr Edgar Yang; and Honorary Deputy Secretary General of SF&OC and the Chef de Mission of the Hong Kong, China Delegation, Mr Wong Po-kee.

Brussels ETO begins Chinese New Year celebrations in Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Brussels ETO begins Chinese New Year celebrations in Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Brussels ETO begins Chinese New Year celebrations in Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Brussels ETO begins Chinese New Year celebrations in Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Fatal traffic accident in Lantau North

Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Lantau North today (February 11) in which a man died.

At 9.49am, a taxi driven by a 43-year-old man was travelling along North Lantau Highway towards Hong Kong International Airport. It reportedly rammed into a stationary works vehicle.

A 27-year-old male passenger was thrown out of the taxi. Sustaining head injury, he was rushed to North Lantau Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 11.09am. The taxi driver sustained hand injury and the 41-year-old works vehicle male driver sustained leg injury. They were sent to the Princess Margaret Hospital and the North Lantau Hospital respectively in conscious state.

The taxi driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries and is required to report back to Police in late February.

Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories South is under way.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 1344.

Source: AI-found images