HKETO Berlin Promotes Hong Kong's Advantages at Economic Forum in Karpacz

HKETO Berlin promotes Hong Kong as premier gateway for international co-operation at Economic Forum in Karpacz

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) promoted Hong Kong's unique advantages and business opportunities at the 35th Economic Forum in Karpacz, Poland, from September 8 to 10 (Karpacz time).

The Economic Forum held annually in Karpacz is one of the largest conferences in Central and Eastern Europe, attracting over 6 000 leaders, experts, and decision-makers. The theme of the Forum this year is "Architecture of the New Order - Stability in Times of Change", and there is a dedicated Chinese-Polish Forum. The HKETO Berlin promoted Hong Kong's unique roles and advantages in facilitating investment as well as promoting the Belt and Road Initiative.

Speaking at the panel session of the Forum, the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong, outlined Hong Kong's crucial position as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between the Chinese Mainland and the world. Hong Kong serves as a vital bridge by connecting the Chinese Mainland with global markets through its common law system, free flow of capital, and world-class professional services.

"Global business turns to Hong Kong for wide-ranging, long-term opportunities. Hong Kong is the ideal place for international fundraising, and enterprises can scale up through our financing and professional services. Last year, Hong Kong topped the world in both initial public offering volume and funds raised. Investors and businesses can leverage on Hong Kong's strengths as one of the major hubs for initial public offerings."

Mr Wong added that with significant resources devoted to innovation and technology development over the years, Hong Kong has emerged as an international innovation and technology centre, and a regional powerhouse supporting the development of financial technology, AI, life and health sciences, and advanced manufacturing. He also highlighted Hong Kong's significant role in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative through its extensive network of trade and investment promotion partners.

"Hong Kong is a key node and premier international platform for Belt and Road co-operation between China and Central and Eastern Europe. For Central and Eastern European technology firms, start-ups, and research institutions, Hong Kong offers a dynamic environment for piloting products, raising capital, and forging strategic partnerships that extend across the Chinese Mainland and Asia markets," he said.

About HKETO Berlin

HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany as well as Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) participated in the 35th Economic Forum held in Karpacz, Poland, from September 8 to 10 (Karpacz time). Photo shows the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong (second left), discussing issues with other speakers at the panel of the forum. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) participated in the 35th Economic Forum held in Karpacz, Poland, from September 8 to 10 (Karpacz time). Photo shows the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong (second left), speaking at the panel discussion of the forum. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by SCST at Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra "Welcome Tarmo Reception"

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) "Welcome Tarmo Reception" today (November 7):

David (Chairman of Board of Governors of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Society, Mr David Cogman), Tarmo (Music Director of the HK Phil, Mr Tarmo Peltokoski), Vincent (Chairman of the Chow Sang Sang Group, Mr Vincent Chow), ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. I have the greatest pleasure to join you at this reception to officially welcome our new Music Director, Tarmo Peltokoski. I say welcome, but of course, Tarmo is already a familiar and highly respected figure among our musicians and audiences. Tonight's reception is a formal introduction, but really, it should feel even more like a homecoming party.

First, let me propose that once again we give a good round of applause to Tarmo and all the talented instrumentalists, vocalists and choristers, from Hong Kong and overseas for the stunning performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 8 just now. The performance was a magnificent close to the HK Phil's complete Mahler cycle; but it was also a splendid fanfare for the new era under Maestro Tarmo's baton.

Great artistic synergy takes time to build, yet today it felt entirely natural. Tarmo first sparked this chemistry as the HK Phil's Guest Conductor in 2023, strengthened it as Music Director Designate last season, and he now finally steps into his new role with deep familiarity and well-honed artistry. Tonight's concert is a brilliant showcase of Tarmo's assured stage performance, exceptional conducting prowess, and seamless teamwork with the HK Phil's talented musicians. Just now I told Winnie (Vice-Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Society, Ms Winnie Tam), if I were a choir member, I would also be very, very happy to work with a conductor like Tarmo.

I am fully confident that this strong partnership will elevate the HK Phil to new heights and enrich Hong Kong's vibrant cultural scene. The Hong Kong SAR Government proudly supports the HK Phil in its further effort to solidify its role as a cultural flagship of our city. Together, we will project Hong Kong's artistic brilliance on the global stage, reinforcing our position as an East-meets-West cultural exchange centre.

As a music lover myself, please allow me to express my warmest thanks to Tarmo and all the musicians for an unforgettable orchestral feast. Here is to a new era for the HK Phil - one filled abundantly with breathtaking music, rewarding projects, and exciting milestones ahead. Tonight is just a remarkable beginning, and the best is yet to come.

Let us all enjoy the rest of this delightful evening. Do keep your eyes and ears open. I'm told there will be surprise bonus encore performances during the reception, and I, for one, definitely won't want to miss them. Thank you very much.

Source: AI-found images