Hong Kong Celebrates Chinese New Year in Washington, Promotes Economic Opportunities and Cultural Exchange

HKETO, Washington DC hosts celebratory Chinese New Year reception

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC (HKETO, Washington DC) hosted a Chinese New Year reception to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Horse and promote Hong Kong in Washington DC, the United States (US) on February 25 (Washington DC time). Some 700 distinguished guests from the US Government, Congress, private sector, academia, media, think tanks, diplomatic community, and local community attended the event.

The reception started with a recital by acclaimed Hong Kong-born pianist Aristo Sham. In 2025, Mr Sham won both the prestigious Gold medal and the Audience award at the 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth, Texas. Mr Sham's repertoire ranged from classical to traditional, including Mr Sham's world premiere of Hong Kong composer Elliot Leung's new work "Neon Murals".

Addressing the audience, the Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, Ms Elania Luk, thanked Mr Sham for his enchanting performance. Ms Luk reported that Hong Kong's economy was buoyed in 2025 as external trade remained strong, private consumption rebounded, and fixed investment accelerated. Looking ahead, the economy is expected to maintain its momentum in 2026, with forecast growth of 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent.

Ms Luk added that Hong Kong continues to be an attractive destination for American companies. The US is the second largest source of foreign companies in Hong Kong, with some 1 500 American companies calling the city home. There are tremendous opportunities for American start-ups, which can tap the city's renowned universities and research institutes, entrepreneurial talent, and deep pool of investors to scale up their operations and ambitions.

Ms Luk stressed that the US has long enjoyed a sizeable trade surplus with Hong Kong, reaching over US$28 billion in 2025. She highlighted opportunities in the agriculture sector. With a population of some 7.5 million people, Hong Kong is the US's seventh largest export market for beef and beef products, importing over US$400 million. She also reiterated Hong Kong's commitment to free trade, noting that the city was once again ranked by the Fraser Institute as the world's freest economy last year.

In addition, Ms Luk updated the audience on Hong Kong's noteworthy developments in the financial sector, including financial innovation and being the world's leading venue for initial public offerings.

"Hong Kong's status as an international education hub has further elevated," Ms Luk said. "Our higher education institutions are globally recognised, with five universities ranked in the world top 100 and top 10 in Asia. The Study in Hong Kong Week currently taking place showcases the city's education credentials and opportunities for overseas students". Ms Luk encouraged American students and talent to study or work in Hong Kong to advance their education goals and accelerate their career trajectory.

Hong Kong is an international aviation hub. Hong Kong International Airport continues to connect nearly 200 destinations worldwide and is the world's busiest cargo airport. Ms Luk thanked Cathay Pacific Airways for supporting the event. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Cathay Pacific Airways. The airline connects to more than 100 destinations worldwide, including six cities in the US. The relaunch of the Seattle nonstop service starting end of March connects customers in the Pacific Northwest to Hong Kong and beyond, supporting Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC hosted a Chinese New Year reception on February 25 (Washington DC time) in Washington DC, the United States. Guests were served traditional dim sum and local Hong Kong-style food, showcasing Hong Kong's unique food culture. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC hosted a Chinese New Year reception on February 25 (Washington DC time) in Washington DC, the United States. Some 700 guests joined the event, ushering in the Year of the Horse. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows the Senior Vice President (Americas) of Cathay Pacific Airways, Ms Cindy Lam, speaking to the audience. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC hosted a Chinese New Year reception on February 25 (Washington DC time) in Washington DC, the United States. Guests were captivated by a traditional lion dance performance. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows the Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, Ms Elania Luk, speaking to some 700 distinguished guests. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC (HKETO, Washington DC) hosted a Chinese New Year reception on February 25 (Washington DC time) in Washington DC, the United States. Photo shows the Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, Ms Elania Luk, dotting the eyes of the lions to mark the start of a lion dance. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Photo shows celebrated Hong Kong-born pianist Aristo Sham performing at the event. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC hosted a Chinese New Year reception on February 25 (Washington DC time) in Washington DC, the United States. The programme of the reception captures the spirit of East meets West, featuring a recital by Hong Kong-born pianist Aristo Sham and traditional lion dances. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.

"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."

Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

Source: AI-found images