Atlanta, February 21, 2018 — Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office New York hosted an annual Chinese New Year Spring Reception at the Ocean Ballroom in Georgia Aquarium.
Over 200 guests including business, community, and legislative leaders attended the colorful event. Honorable Clement Leung, Commissioner of Hong Kong delivers the keynote remark at the reception.
The commissioner highlighted various initiatives that will expand Hong Kong's market and strengthen its connectivity with the Chinese mainland and the rest of Asia-Pacific.
Such initiatives include the free trade agreement (FTA) with ASEAN, FTA talks with Australia, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Greater Bay Area Development Strategy that will see Hong Kong's economy increasingly integrating with that of the Pearl River Delta in southern China.
Leung stated that Hong Kong has retained the title of the world's freest economy for 24 consecutive years. Hong Kong's economy has grown by 3.5 percent, mainly driven by robust external trade, retail sales and tourism. The unemployment rate of 2.9 percent is the lowest over the last 20 years.
Ms. Joanne Chu, Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, also said the office will continue to organize and support events and activities to foster stronger business and cultural ties with U.S. eastern states.
Guests were also treated to a colorful lion dance performances and acrobatic rope jumping performances by a group of Hong Kong youths.
The reception guests also received a Chinese New Year greeting toast led by Commissioner Leung, Director Chu and Gene Hanratty, Consultant to Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office.
