FS: Highlighting Hong Kong’s Role as East‑West Meeting Point at HKTDC Summer Expos

Speech by FS at Joint Opening Ceremony of HKTDC Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Joint Opening Ceremony of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo today (August 13):

Jonathan (Member of the HKTDC, Dr Jonathan Choi), Sophia (the Executive Director of the HKTDC, Ms Sophia Chong), (the Vice Chairman of the People's Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region, Mr Zhao Peng), (Vice Chairman of the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conferenceand Chairman of Hunan Federation of Industry and Commerce, Mr Zhang Jian), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is a pleasure to join you all for the joint opening of the HKTDC's five flagship summer fairs.

With so much wonderful food, tea and wellness inspiration gathered under one roof, perhaps I should begin with a small word of warning: it is rather difficult to leave without a few extra shopping bags in hand.

At the heart of this year's showcase is a theme made for our time: "Live Well, Stay Well." As the world pays more attention to mindful, balanced and healthy living, these five fairs bring together a rich mix of food, beverage, lifestyle and wellness experiences.

Today, the five exhibitions bring together more than 1 850 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. I am especially pleased that, for the first time, all 11 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states are represented, with Brunei and Timor-Leste making their debut.

And the world's finest products will sit alongside our own. We are proud to present Hong Kong's fishery and agricultural produce under a new unified brand, "Hong Kong Harvest". Meanwhile, specialty goods from 16 provinces and regions across the Chinese Mainland will be on show at the Food Expo.

All these speak to the enduring appeal of quality products and good living - and to Hong Kong’s unique ability to bring together international brands and regional enterprises, as well as discerning consumers in one dynamic marketplace.

I appreciate the way B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business to consumer) events sit side by side here. Whether you are an industry expert or simply a curious consumer, there is something to suit every palate and every lifestyle. These fairs connect the world of great food and wellness with the people of Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond - bringing the finest products from every continent right to our doorstep.

Hong Kong has long been a meeting point between East and West. This is a place where ideas converge, opportunities emerge and partnerships take root. That spirit is very much on display this year, with more than 230 mega events on the calendar, many of them MICE events. Some 3.6 million visitors are expected to come from around the world, an increase of more than 20 per cent compared with the previous year. These events will bring some $12 billion in spending to the city. Add to that our international outlook, efficient supply chains, and professional strengths in certification, quality assurance and brand building - and we are no doubt the best platform for brands looking to connect with markets across the region.

To our exhibitors and buyers: your presence here speaks volumes about the power of connection. The relationships you build over the coming days will go well beyond transactions. They will open new opportunities, spark innovation, and help more people, in more places, to live well and stay well.

And to our friends from overseas, I hope you will also find time to enjoy Hong Kong. This is not just a city for deal-making - it is a city of wonderful cuisine, rich culture, beautiful scenery and warm, energetic people. You never know: your next big idea, or your next business partner, may come not from the exhibition hall, but from a walk through our buzzing streets, or a conversation over a good meal.

Ladies and gentlemen, as you taste and explore your way through these fairs, I hope you will take away not only great products and promising leads, but also a fresh appetite – for good living as much as for good business.

I wish the fairs every success. Thank you very much - and to those heading into the halls, a final word of advice: plan your route, and save some appetite for the far end of the hall.

Thank you very much.

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the Joint Opening Ceremony of the HKTDC Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo today (August 13). Photo shows (from front row, fourth left) the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Ms Sophia Chong; Mr Chan; Member of the HKTDC Dr Jonathan Choi, and other guests officiating at the ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the Joint Opening Ceremony of the HKTDC Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo today (August 13). Photo shows Mr Chan (fourth left) touring an exhibition booth. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the Joint Opening Ceremony of the HKTDC Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo today (August 13). Photo shows Mr Chan (second left) touring an exhibition booth. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the Joint Opening Ceremony of the HKTDC Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo today (August 13). Photo shows Mr Chan (first right) touring an exhibition booth. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the Joint Opening Ceremony of the HKTDC Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo today (August 13). Photo shows Mr Chan (third left) touring an exhibition booth. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the Joint Opening Ceremony of the HKTDC Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo today (August 13). Photo shows Mr Chan (centre) touring an exhibition booth. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the Joint Opening Ceremony of the HKTDC Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo today (August 13). Photo shows Mr Chan (second left) touring an exhibition booth. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, speaks at the Joint Opening Ceremony of the HKTDC Food Expo PRO, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo today (August 13). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Special offers announced in celebration of 77th anniversary of founding of People's Republic of China

October 1 this year marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The Government and different sectors of the community will launch a rich array of special offers and activities, covering public transport; culture, arts and leisure; as well as dining and consumption, to celebrate the National Day with the public.

MTR, Photo source: reference image

For public transport, the MTR will give away 77 000 e-single-journey rides through a lucky draw on October 1. Members of the public can also enjoy free rides on all passenger tram routes and several ferry routes of the Star Ferry and Fortune Ferry on that day, while children using designated payment methods can ride most daytime franchised bus routes of KMB, Long Win Bus, Citybus and New Lantao Bus for free. Moreover, Greater Bay Airlines will provide ticket offers, under which people can purchase flight tickets of all non-charter routes at 77 per cent of the original fare during the promotion period.

Photo source: reference image

For culture, arts and leisure, all commercial cinemas will provide half-price discounts on movie tickets on October 1. The public will also be offered free admission on the same day to a number of fee-charging leisure facilities and exhibitions in museums of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and to the Hong Kong Wetland Park under the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Furthermore, the Antiquities and Monuments Office, 14 projects under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme, Police Museum, Tai Kwun and PMQ will roll out various offers, including additional free guided tours.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Photo source: reference image

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Jockey Club will hold the National Day Raceday at Sha Tin Racecourse on October 1, during which members of the public can enter the Public Enclosures of Sha Tin and Happy Valley Racecourses for free. Ngong Ping 360 and Ocean Park Hong Kong will offer ticket discounts. The Peak Tram and Madame Tussauds Hong Kong will give out souvenirs to ticket holders while stocks last.

Photo source: reference image

As for dining and consumption, initially over 2 000 restaurants and merchants will provide dining offers on October 1. Several public markets under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will launch different offers. Members of the public can also purchase designated products at 77 per cent of the original price via the Hong Kong Harvest physical store, online store or mobile app from October 1 to 7. The Environmental Protection Department will offer double GREEN$ Points to members of the public who recycle at its community recycling network GREEN@COMMUNITY on October 1. The Police Souvenir Gallery, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, West Kowloon Cultural District, HKTDC Design Gallery, as well as various shopping malls and department stores will roll out offers on dining, consumption, parking, etc.

The Government thanks various sectors for actively responding to its call by launching special offers and activities to celebrate the 77th National Day with the public together. Information about the offers and activities is now available on the dedicated website (www.nationalday77.gov.hk).

Celebration of National Day, Photo source: reference image