Brussels ETO Promotes Hong Kong’s Wine, Academic, and Cultural Exchange in Sicily

Brussels ETO promotes Hong Kong's wine industry, academic exchange and music talent in Sicily, Italy

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels (Brussels ETO), continued its efforts to promote Hong Kong's wine and spirits industry as well as cultural and academic exchanges in Europe.

A trade and cultural promotion programme was conducted in Sicily, Italy, featuring meetings with institutional and industry representatives, including the President of Associazione Sicilia, board members of wine associations and representatives of wine consortiums, to explore collaboration opportunities in the wine and spirits sector. Brussels ETO representatives also met the Rector of the University of Palermo to promote academic and student exchanges with universities in Hong Kong.

On August 26 (Sicily time), Brussels ETO supported a performance by acclaimed Hong Kong pianist Rachel Cheung at the Palermo Classica International Festival 2026. Her programme featured works by Beethoven, Schumann, Tan Dun and Chopin. Around 200 people attended the concert and applauded her outstanding performance.

Speaking at a networking dinner on August 27 (Sicily time), the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, described Cheung's performance at the festival as a fine example of how music can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries and bring people together. Ms Yung said Hong Kong and Italy shared a deep appreciation of arts and culture, and highlighted Hong Kong's commitment to promoting cultural exchange and strengthening its position as an international cultural hub where East meets West.

The Palermo Classica International Festival is a renowned summer music festival in Sicily. This year, it features more than 60 international musicians and 40 events, spanning classical music, jazz, film scores, tango, opera and symphonic rock.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels promotes Hong Kong's wine industry, academic exchange and music talent in Sicily, Italy. Photo shows Hong Kong pianist Rachel Cheung, performing in the prestigious Palermo Classica International Festival 2026. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels promotes Hong Kong's wine industry, academic exchange and music talent in Sicily, Italy. Photo shows a group photo of the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung (third left), with local wine industry representatives. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels (Brussels ETO) promotes Hong Kong's wine industry, academic exchange and music talent in Sicily, Italy. Photo shows a networking dinner with local institutional and industry representatives, board members of wine associations as well as representatives of wine consortiums and wineries on August 27 (Sicily time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels promotes Hong Kong's wine industry, academic exchange and music talent in Sicily, Italy. Photo shows (from first left) Hong Kong pianist Rachel Cheung, the Rector of the University of Palermo, Mr Massimo Midiri, the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung and Palermo's Councillor for Culture, Mr Antonio Rini. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DESIGN@HKG 2026 sponsored by CCIDA launches today

Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, DESIGN@HKG 2026 was officially launched today (November 10). From today until November 24, the organiser, the Hong Kong Design Centre, collaborates with over 80 local and international partners to present more than 40 thematic events across various districts in Hong Kong, extending the creative atmosphere to every corner of the city.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai, remarked that DESIGN@HKG is a new brand launched this year as the city programme of the annual design flagship event, Business of Design Week. More design-themed district activities are hosted to promote cross-sectoral and cross-regional exchanges and collaborations, further demonstrating Hong Kong's innovative strength as Asia's design capital.

A series of DESIGN@HKG 2026 events will take place around the territory, including the Peak, Central, Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, Sai Kung, etc, encompassing interactive installations, guided tram tours, design exhibitions, workshops and sharing sessions, which will allow the public and tourists to experience and discover the infinite possibilities for and charm of integrating design into everyday life. For more information about DESIGN@HKG 2026, please visit designathkg.com.

DESIGN@HKG 2026 sponsored by CCIDA launches today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DESIGN@HKG 2026 sponsored by CCIDA launches today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases