Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of CAVALLUNA - Gate to the Otherworld
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of CAVALLUNA - Gate to the Otherworld today (September 10):
Deputy Commissioner Hua You (Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Deputy Director-General Lin Nan (Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Mr Martin Liao (Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club), Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club), Mr Johannes Mock- O' Hara (Chief Executive Officer of Apassionata World GmbH), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is my great pleasure to join you here at the spectacular Kai Tak Arena to celebrate the opening of CAVALLUNA - Gate to the Otherworld.
This extraordinary equestrian show has already captivated millions across more than 30 cities in Europe, enchanting audiences of all ages with its seamless fusion of world-class horsemanship, theatrical storytelling, music, and dance. Tonight, we are privileged to witness its Asian debut - right here in Hong Kong - featuring 54 magnificent horses and an internationally acclaimed cast of riders and performers. We are truly honoured that the organiser has chosen our city as the first stop in Asia, and the successful staging of this large-scale production at the Kai Tak Arena once again affirms Hong Kong's standing as a premier host of world-class events.
In addition, with the support from our Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund, we are delighted that the organiser has thoughtfully tailored the show to resonate with local audiences and visitors from the Greater Bay Area. From featuring a local singer in the performance to adding English voice-over with Chinese subtitles, these adaptations reflect a genuine commitment to cultural connection. We trust this collaboration marks a promising beginning - and we look forward to many more spectacular shows and mega events like CAVALLUNA making their way to Hong Kong, enriching the cultural tapestry of our community and our friends from around the globe.
In 2026, the Year of the Horse, this production carries profound symbolism. In Chinese culture, the horse embodies strength, vitality, and perseverance - values that echo the spirit of our city. Under the steadfast framework of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong will continue to harness its unique advantages to foster international connectivity, while deepening the world's appreciation of Chinese culture and heritage.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organiser, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and all collaborating organisations for their invaluable sponsorship and unwavering support. My sincere thanks also go to every artist and team member who has worked tirelessly to bring CAVALLUNA to our shores.
May the production enjoy every success during its run in Hong Kong, and may each of you have a truly memorable and enchanting evening. Thank you.
Source: AI-found images
CE meets Secretary of CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Secretary of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee, Mr Jin Lei, at Government House today (September 10) to exchange views on deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. They also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and a number ofagreements between the two places. Also attending the meeting were the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Janice Tse Siu-wa; the Acting Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip.
Mr Lee welcomed Mr Jin and his delegation to Hong Kong. He said that Hong Kong and Shenzhen have long maintained close ties in areas such as economic and trade and people-to-people exchanges. Under the Hong Kong/Shenzhen co-operation mechanism, the two places have established various task forces to continuously enhance collaboration in different key areas. The Memorandum of Understanding and agreements signed today cover a number of areas, including finance, innovation and technology (I&T) and support services for enterprises going global, further advancing broader, deeper and higher-level co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The two places will continue to work together to inject stronger impetus into the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Mr Lee said that, under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantage of connecting the Mainland and the world. Hong Kong will continue to leverage its strengths as an international financial centre and its roles as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder". Through the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, Hong Kong will continue to serve Mainland enterprises, including those in Shenzhen, in expanding into international markets. China is the host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2026, and the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in Shenzhen. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will spare no effort in ensuring the success of the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting to be held in Hong Kong, further deepen international exchanges and co-operation, and better integrate into and serve the overall national development.
Mr Lee said that Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan, to be announced soon, will set out a blueprint for Hong Kong's future development and enable the city to seize the enormous opportunities brought by the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong is pressing ahead at full speed with the development of the Northern Metropolis. According to the Global Innovation Index 2026, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster again ranked first globally, fully demonstrating the strong capabilities and broad prospects of Hong Kong and Shenzhen in I&T development. The HKSAR Government will continue to promote the collaborative development of the "one zone, two parks" concept of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, and jointly contribute to the country's development into a nation that is strong in science and technology. At the same time, the HKSAR Government is making every effort to prepare for the smooth commissioning of the Huanggang Port. More than 100 system tests and drills of varying scales have been conducted and port operation arrangements are being continuously optimised, with the aim of further enhancing cross-boundary clearance efficiency and the service capacity of the port, to promote more efficient synergy between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
CE meets Secretary of CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
