Hong Kong Celebrates Year of the Horse at Spring Reception, Highlighting Economic Ties with the U.S.

New York ETO marks Year of the Horse in New York

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) welcomed the Year of the Horse at its annual Hong Kong Spring Reception in New York on February 18 (New York time), attended by more than 400 guests from the academic, business, cultural, government, media, non-profit and think tank sectors.

In her welcoming remarks, the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, highlighted the steadfast economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and the United States. In 2025, the number of American companies in Hong Kong has increased by 11 per cent, reflecting continued confidence in the city's open and dynamic business environment. The latest survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong also showed rising optimism, with most firms planning to maintain or expand their investment in the coming year.

Ms Ho noted that Hong Kong's economy has demonstrated resilience, with advance estimates projecting GDP growth of 3.5 per cent in 2025. The city continues to attract global business and investment. In 2025, Hong Kong ranked first worldwide in IPO fundraising, raising US$37.4 billion across 119 listings, including two of the five largest IPOs globally. As at end-2025, Hong Kong was home to over 3 380 single-family offices, an increase of more than 25 per cent over two years.

Building on its strong economic momentum, Hong Kong is pressing ahead with the development of the Northern Metropolis to drive innovation-led growth. At the same time, the city is reinforcing its position as an international education hub – attracting outstanding students and global talent, while showcasing our world-class universities and research excellence.

To further deepen engagement across New York and the eastern United States, Ms Ho said the New York ETO will continue working closely with Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council through the Economic and Trade Express platform. Together, they will step up joint trade and investment promotion activities, identify new market opportunities, and support both Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland enterprises in expanding their global footprint.

"The horse symbolises vitality, resilience and momentum," said Ms Ho. "Galloping into the Year of the Horse, Hong Kong embraces new opportunities with agility and determination. We will continue to transform ourselves amid global shifts, while maintaining our competitive edge as a premier hub for business, finance, trade and innovation, and foster partnerships and global connections worldwide."

The reception featured a musical programme blending elements of Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse and Western instruments. The pieces were composed by renowned Hong Kong composer Elliot Leung and performed by New York-based young musicians from Hong Kong. Mr Leung's work will also be featured in the upcoming New York Philharmonic's Lunar New Year Gala, showcasing Hong Kong's creative contributions on the international stage.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York welcomed the Year of the Horse at its annual Hong Kong Spring Reception in New York on February 18 (New York time). More than 400 guests from the academic, business, cultural, government, media, non-profit and think tank sectors attended the event. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) welcomed the Year of the Horse at its annual Hong Kong Spring Reception in New York on February 18 (New York time). Photo shows the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho (centre), with the Executive Director of Chinatown Partnership Local Development Corporation, Mr Wellington Chen (left), and the President and CEO of Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Mr Randy Peers (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) welcomed the Year of the Horse at its annual Hong Kong Spring Reception in New York on February 18 (New York time). Photo shows the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho (centre), with the Chief Executive of News Corp. ,Mr Robert Thomson, and wife. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) welcomed the Year of the Horse at its annual Hong Kong Spring Reception in New York on February 18 (New York time). Photo shows the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho (second left), with the Permanent Representative of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations, Ambassador Fu Cong (second right); Co-Chair of the Board of China Institute of America and entrepreneur, Ms Yue-Sai Kan (first right); and the Deputy Director of New York ETO, Miss Angela Jong (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York welcomed the Year of the Horse at its annual Hong Kong Spring Reception in New York on February 18 (New York time). Photo shows talented New York-based young musicians from Hong Kong performing pieces composed by renowned Hong Kong composer Elliot Leung, blending elements of Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse and Western instruments, at the reception. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York welcomed the Year of the Horse at its annual Hong Kong Spring Reception in New York on February 18 (New York time). Photo shows guests enjoying a lion dance performance. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) welcomed the Year of the Horse at its annual Hong Kong Spring Reception in New York on February 18 (New York time). Photo shows the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho (centre), and other officiating guests proposing a toast. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government reminds Hong Kong residents to attend to personal safety when travelling to Japan

Regarding the attack on a Hong Kong resident in Japan, upon learning the incident, the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) has immediately approached the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OCMFA) and the Chinese Consulate-General in Sapporo to understand the situation and follow up, and to provide practicable assistance according to subject's wishes.

The Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD), Photo source: FB image

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has already expressed concerns to the Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong, urging the Japanese Government to ensure the personal safety of Hong Kong travellers in Japan in accordance with the law.

The ImmD will continue to maintain close contact with the OCMFA and the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in Japan to provide appropriate assistance to Hong Kong residents in Japan when necessary.

Hong Kong residents outside Hong Kong who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the ImmD at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD mobile application, send a message to 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline, or submit the Online Assistance Request Form.

The Central Government Offices, Photo source: reference image