Hong Kong – HKETO, Brussels hosts reception in Paris to celebrate Chinese New Year (with photos)

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) hosted a Chinese New Year reception in Paris, France, on January 30 to celebrate the start of the Year of the Dragon. 

     In her welcoming remarks, the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, emphasised Hong Kong’s role as the prime gateway to China, and its distinct advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle. Ms Yung added that Hong Kong was “uniquely positioned with the necessary network and resources to help European businesses gain easier access to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area”. Highlighting Hong Kong as a city full of exciting events and festivals, Ms Yung encouraged the guests to visit Hong Kong and experience the vibrancy of the city.

     The HKETO, Brussels took the opportunity to showcase Hong Kong’s East-meet-West culture through a creative and unique performance, amalgamating ballet dance and Chinese calligraphy. Performers were artists born in Hong Kong, including Lam Chun-wing, who was the first Chinese person to join the Paris Opera Ballet, and Nancy Kan, an esteemed actress and radio host in Hong Kong whose passion and talent in Chinese calligraphy and painting have earned her a reputation beyond the screen.

     The reception was hosted in co-operation with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the France Hong Kong Business Association. More than 300 guests joined the reception, including officials from national governments, consulates and embassies, financial and business sectors, academia, cultural and creative sectors, media and the Chinese community.