Brussels Celebrates Chinese New Year with Prestigious Reception for Year of the Horse

Brussels ETO celebrates Chinese New Year in Brussels as Year of Horse begins

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) hosted a Chinese New Year reception in Brussels, Belgium, on February 17 (Brussels time), celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Horse on its first day.

The Brussels reception has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious events within the European diplomatic community, attracting over 260 esteemed guests, including officials from European institutions, national governments and diplomatic missions, as well as senior representatives from the business, trade, academic, arts and cultural sectors, the media, and the local Chinese community. The event was supported by the Belgium-Hong Kong Society.

The Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, opened her speech by welcoming guests to the festive occasion, noting that the Year of the Horse symbolises energy, loyalty, and perseverance. Ms Yung remarked that these traits define the enduring friendship between Europe and Hong Kong, particularly as both navigate an increasingly complex global environment.

While acknowledging that the past year posed significant hurdles for the global economy, Ms Yung highlighted that Hong Kong has weathered the storm and emerged more resilient and promising than ever. She emphasised that under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong remains the world's freest economy and a "super connector", bridging global capital with the immense growth of Asia, in particular the Greater Bay Area.

With its strong economic fundamentals, Hong Kong provides international investors with a reliable platform to navigate global volatility. Beyond traditional strengths in finance and trade, Ms Yung shared that Hong Kong is rapidly evolving into a global hub for innovation, technology, and world-class talent, driven by strategic initiatives such as "Go Global via Hong Kong" and the development of the Northern Metropolis.

"We believe that prosperity is fostered by building bridges that connect people, ideas, and cultures," Ms Yung stated. She concluded with a call for continued collaboration, encouraging both Europe and Hong Kong to turn challenges into opportunities and build a more prosperous future together.

Moreover, Brussels ETO hosted another Chinese New Year reception in Paris, France, on February 19 (Paris time) which attracted more than 250 guests of various backgrounds including government representatives, businessmen, academic representatives, the media and members of the local Chinese community. The reception was co-organised by Brussels ETO and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, with the support of the France Hong Kong Business Association.

In both receptions, guests were greeted by an enchanting performance from the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, featuring a vibrant repertoire of traditional Chinese folk melodies, alongside a nostalgic medley of iconic Hong Kong television themes. The performance perfectly captured Hong Kong's lively cultural spirit and the exceptional skill of its musicians, earning high praise from local guests.

Photo shows (from left): the Director of France, Spain and Portugal of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Christopher Lai; the spouse of the Chinese Ambassador to France, Ms Zhang Hua; the Chinese Ambassador to France, Mr Deng Li; the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung; and the Chairman of the France Hong Kong Business Association, Ms Bo Huang Launois, toasting at the Chinese New Year reception in Paris. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows local distinguished guests at the Chinese New Year reception in Paris. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, addressing the audience at the reception. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra performing at the Chinese New Year reception in Brussels. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows an impressive lion dance performance presented by Legends of Liondance Association and the Choi Lee Fat Belgium Kungfu Lion and Dragon Dance Association during the Chinese New Year reception in Brussels. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows distinguished guests from across the European diplomatic, business and cultural communities, attending the reception in Brussels. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows (from left) the Chairman of the Belgium-Hong Kong Society, Mr Alexander De Beir; the Regional Director, Europe, Central Asia and Israel of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Chris Lo; the Chinese Ambassador to Belgium, Mr Fei Shengchao; the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung; the Head of the Mission of China to the European Union, Ambassador Cai Run; the Consul General of Belgium in Hong Kong and Macau, Mr David Lomastro; the Deputy Representative of Brussels ETO, Miss Fiona Li; and the Head of Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion of the Invest Hong Kong Brussels office, Ms Paula Kant, toasting at the Chinese New Year reception in Brussels. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, addressing the audience at the reception. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected heroin worth about $1.1 million at airport

Hong Kong Customs today (May 25) detected a drug trafficking case at Hong Kong International Airport. About 1.9 kilograms of suspected heroin, with an estimated market value of about $1.1 million, and one duty-not-paid cigarette were seized.

A 46-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia today. During customs clearance, Customs officer found the batch of suspected heroin concealed in a wooden box, and the duty-not-paid cigarette in his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possession of dutiable goods and one count of failing to declare to a member of the Customs and Excise Service the possession of dutiable goods. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court tomorrow (May 26).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected heroin worth about $1.1 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected heroin worth about $1.1 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases