New York ETO Strengthens Bilateral Ties and Promotes Talent Admission Schemes in Atlanta

New York ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties and promotes talent admission schemes in Atlanta

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties and promoted talent admission schemes in Atlanta through hosting high-level meetings, sharing sessions in universities and participating in a dragon boat festival.

The Director of New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, conducted a visit to Atlanta from September 10 to 12 (Atlanta time). During the visit, Ms Ho met with Managing Director of the Georgia Department of Economic Development Ms Stella Xu on September 10. Ms Ho provided an update on the latest developments in Hong Kong and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including opportunities to strengthen co-operation in trade, investment and innovation. On September 11, Ms Ho met with the Executive Director of Atlanta's Mayor Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, Ms Paulina Guzman. Later in the afternoon, she also met with Gainesville Mayor, Mr Zack Thompson, and Tourism Director, Ms Robyn Lynch. Ms Ho expressed her appreciation for the two cities' continued support and valued partnership.

During her visit, Ms Ho met separately with senior representatives of Georgia's leading academic institutions, namely Emory University, Georgia State University and the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). The meetings explored opportunities to deepen academic and research collaboration, and expand student exchanges. Ms Ho also met with students at sharing sessions at Emory and Georgia Tech to introduce Hong Kong as a dynamic global business and financial hub. She highlighted the city's international career opportunities and extensive professional networks. She also outlined Hong Kong's various talent admission schemes and career pathways available to graduates, researchers and young professionals. Recent graduates from both institutions also took part in the sessions to share first-hand experiences and practical insights on establishing their professional careers in Hong Kong.

Ms Ho concluded her visit on September 12. She officiated at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier Olympic Park. This year's festival attracted 60 teams and a total of 1 500 paddlers to participate in the races. It also introduced a new All-Cancer Paddler Division, welcoming survivors of all cancer types to compete together in a supportive and empowering environment. In addition, the festival also expanded its cultural and educational programming, celebrating Hong Kong's rich cultural heritage while fostering unity, understanding and community.

The 2026 Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier Olympic Park attracted 60 teams and a total of 1 500 paddlers to participate in races. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York had a festival booth to promote Hong Kong to visitors. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The dragon boat team of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York and the Hong Kong US Business Association of Atlanta, took part in the 2026 Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier Olympic Park on September 12 (Atlanta time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, Ms Maisie Ho, speaks at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier Olympic Park on September 12 (Atlanta time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The dragon boat team of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York and the Hong Kong US Business Association of Atlanta, took part in the 2026 Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier Olympic Park on September 12 (Atlanta time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, Ms Maisie Ho (second right), and other distinguished guests officiate at the eye-dotting ceremony of the 2026 Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier Olympic Park on September 12 (Atlanta time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties and promoted talent admission schemes in Atlanta through hosting high-level meetings, sharing sessions in universities and participating in a dragon boat festival. Photo shows the Director of New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho (centre), with Gainesville Mayor Mr Zack Thompson (second left) and Gainesville Tourism Director Ms Robyn Lynch (second right) and other guests at the dragon public art installation in downtown Gainesville, Georgia on September 11 (Atlanta time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties and promoted talent admission schemes in Atlanta through hosting high-level meetings, sharing sessions in universities and participating in a dragon boat festival. Photo shows the Director of New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho (left), with the Executive Director of Atlanta's Mayor Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, Ms Paulina Guzman (right), on September 11 (Atlanta time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties and promoted talent admission schemes in Atlanta through hosting high-level meetings, sharing sessions in universities and participating in a dragon boat festival. Photo shows the Director of New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho (second right), with senior representatives of Georgia State University on September 11 (Atlanta time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties and promoted talent admission schemes in Atlanta through hosting high-level meetings, sharing sessions in universities and participating in a dragon boat festival. Photo shows the Director of New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho (third right), with senior representatives of Emory University on September 10 (Atlanta time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties and promoted talent admission schemes in Atlanta through hosting high-level meetings, sharing sessions in universities and participating in a dragon boat festival. Photo shows the Director of New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, at the sharing session at Emory University on September 10 (Atlanta time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties and promoted talent admission schemes in Atlanta through hosting high-level meetings, sharing sessions in universities and participating in a dragon boat festival. Photo shows the Director of New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho (left), with Managing Director of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Ms Stella Xu (right) on September 10 (Atlanta time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by FS at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner this evening (September 15):

Guy (Chair of Cathay Group, Mr Guy Bradley), Deputy Director Zhang Yong (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Ronald (Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Group, Mr Ronald Lam), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening.

It is a great pleasure to celebrate Cathay Pacific's 80th anniversary with you. Tonight, we celebrate not only an airline, but a journey that belongs, in a very special way, to Hong Kong.

From Betsy, your pioneering DC-3, to today's global network, Cathay has grown together with Hong Kong. Even your name speaks of ambition: "Pacific" expressed the dream of crossing that vast ocean, long before the airline could do so. That spirit - starting modestly, thinking boldly and looking outwards - is unmistakably Hong Kong.

For generations, Cathay has been part of life's most meaningful journeys: the first trip abroad, departure for university, a business venture and a long-awaited reunion. And for returning travellers, that familiar welcome on board brings a comforting feeling: home is already a little closer.

Of course, your journey had difficult chapters. During the pandemic, the Government's support reflected our determination to safeguard Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub and our confidence in Cathay's role within it. That was an investment in our shared future. And it was your people - their professionalism, perseverance and dedication - who helped turn confidence into recovery.

Your work matters far beyond air connections. For Hong Kong, every new route is another opening for trade, investment and opportunity. This is our "super connector" role in practice: bringing businesses to markets, and people to one another.

Looking ahead, the National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing our status as an international aviation hub. We are determined to translate that support into greater capacity, wider reach and lasting economic benefits.

Our Three-Runway System and newly opened Terminal 2 facilities provide more room for growth. The Airport Authority's expanded Airport City development, SKYTOPIA, will further strengthen our airport's appeal - as both a gateway and a destination.

With these developments, the Government is pursuing new air services agreements and expanded traffic rights, particularly with partners in the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and South America. These efforts will give airlines more opportunities to expand their networks through Hong Kong and strengthen our Belt and Road connections.

Cathay's plan to launch direct flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in January 2027 is a welcome example. It will open a new gateway to Central Asia, creating opportunities for business, tourism, cultural exchanges and deeper friendship between our communities.

As the Government opens the way for wider air links, I encourage Cathay to seize these opportunities and add new destinations to your network.

In an uncertain world, we must pursue these opportunities with prudence as well as confidence. The case for bringing people together and opening up new markets is stronger, not weaker.

Cathay's commitment of around HK$150 billion to aircraft, cabins, lounges and digital innovation is a vote of confidence in Hong Kong's future. I look forward to seeing that investment deliver better journeys for passengers, rewarding careers for local talent, and fresh possibilities for our city.

As Hong Kong's home carrier, you are an ambassador for the city. For many visitors, their first impression of Hong Kong begins with your welcome, before they ever see our skyline. Safety without compromise, service with care and respect, onboard dining experience worthy of Hong Kong's reputation, and professionalism in every detail: these are the qualities that earn trust and make Hong Kong proud.

And, ladies and gentlemen, I am sure passengers would be delighted to see one more thing: your excellent service accompanied by equally attractive fares. Guy and Ronald, I shall leave that in your capable hands.

Happy 80th anniversary, Cathay Pacific. May you continue to bring the world closer to Hong Kong, and Hong Kong closer to the world - and wherever you fly, carry the warmth, ambition and spirit of this city with you. Thank you very much.

Speech by FS at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by FS at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases