Visit to United States and Canada to promote Hong Kong draws enthusiastic response

As Hong Kong's social and economic development relies very much on its ties with the rest of the world, my colleagues in the relevant departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and I have been active in promoting locally and abroad Hong Kong's external relations on all fronts to enhance Hong Kong's international status.

On June 7, I embarked on a visit to Toronto in Canada and Chicago in the United States. The main purpose was to attend the “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" symposiums, which were large-scale promotional events held in the two places by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). During the visit, which lasted three and a half days, I delivered a total of six speeches in the two places and met with local political and business leaders to promote the advantages of Hong Kong as the "super-connector" between the Mainland of China and the rest of the world. I encouraged their companies and organisations to make better use of this two-way platform to expand to China and other Asian countries.

Each of the two symposiums drew an attendance of over 1 000 local political and business leaders, a record among all promotional events organised by Hong Kong in either place. The response from the business sectors of the two places was enthusiastic. They showed great interest in the advantages and roles of Hong Kong, and were confident about Hong Kong's political, social and economic situations.

The current-term Government requires all government officials going on duty visits to meet with the Hong Kong communities in the destinations as far as possible to listen to their views on the HKSAR Government's policies and to learn about their lives there. During this visit, I met with over 100 people from Hong Kong at each of the tea receptions in Toronto and Chicago. Many Hong Kong people living in the east and west coasts of the United States and even Hawaii flew all the way to Chicago to meet with me at the reception there. I am deeply moved by their love of Hong Kong.

Although the visit was short, I saw very clearly the importance attached to Hong Kong by the political and business sectors of the two countries. The HKSAR Government will continue to support the efforts of various sectors in Hong Kong in developing external relations in order to affirm and enhance Hong Kong's international status.

Meeting with the Mayor of Chicago, Mr Rahm Emanuel.		Speaking at the opening session of the "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" symposium organised by the HKTDC in Toronto.
Meeting with the Hong Kong community in Toronto.		Speaking at the opening session of the "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" symposium organised by the HKTDC in Chicago.
Meeting with the Hong Kong community and the National US Hong Kong Business Association in Chicago.

June 11, 2015