News Winter 2015 - 2016
Issued by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels
Financial Secretary John Tsang and Turkey’s Minister Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of Finance, Mehmet Şimşek, discussed the economie Gregory So met with Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister opportunities that will arise from China’s “Belt and Jan Jambon and other Belgian and EU senior officials Road” strategy. (Page 6) during a visit to Belgium. (Pages 2-5)
Hong Kong and Romania have signed an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement which will take bilateral relations to a new level. (Page 6) Secretary for Commerce and Industry Gregory So visits Belgium
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, visited Brussels and Antwerp on 12-13 October to deepen Hong Kong’s ties with the European Union and Belgium, and promote Hong Kong as an investment and tourist destination.
During his visit, Mr So had meetings with the Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Development Cooperation, Digital Agenda, Telecom and Postal Services, Mr Alexander De Croo, and the Director-General of Trade of the European Commission, Mr Jean Luc Demarty. He also visited a technology incubator and co-working space for start-ups in Brussels.
In Antwerp, Mr So met with Belgium’s Hong Kong community to update them on Hong Kong’s latest developments and encourage them to seek opportunities in Hong Kong. In the evening, he attended a Cantonese opera performance in Antwerp, staged by Spring Glory Cantonese Opera Workshop from Hong Kong (pages 18 & 19). Mr So with Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium, Mr Alexander De Croo.
Mr So (centre right) with the Director-General of Trade of the European Mr So briefed members of the Hong Kong community in Antwerp on Hong Commission, Mr Jean Luc Demarty (second left). Kong opportunities. Manneken-Pis is dressed in his Hong Kong costume
Mr So joined representatives of the City of Brussels and the Order of the Friends of Manneken-Pis on 13 October to officiate at the dressing ceremony of the famous statue, an icon of Brussels folklore. To celebrate the longstanding friendship between Hong Kong and Belgium, Brussels’ oldest citizen was dressed in his Hong Kong suit.
Members of the Order sang the Manneken-Pis song and Mr So pulled the cord to unveil the famous little boy. This was the second outing of the costume since it was donated to the City of Brussels by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels in 2012, on the occasion of the Mr So unveils the famous fountain-statue, revealing the Manneken in his 15th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Hong Kong costume. Region. The outfit, which comprises a modern version of a
2 Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 Winter 2015 - 2016 traditional Zhongshan suit, a pair of jeans, and a computer Contents tablet, demonstrates the characteristics of Hong Kong as cover stories a cosmopolitan city where Chinese traditions blend with Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development visits Belgium 2 the latest international trends. Manneken-Pis is dressed in his Hong Kong costume 2 Gala Dinner to celebrate Hong Kong’s friendship with Belgium 4 After its outing, Manneken-Pis’ Hong Kong suit was Financial Secretary meets Turkey’s Minister of Finance, Central Bank Governor 6 returned to the Museum of the City of Brussels, where his Tax and wine agreements “raise Hong Kong-Romania bilateral relations to extensive wardrobe of over 900 costumes is kept. new level” 6 CEPA <-- The Hong Kong costume is a Mainland China opens to Hong Kong services industry 8 modern version of a traditional Arbitration Zhongshan suit, complete with a Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre “most preferred arbitral tablet computer. institution outside Europe” 8 Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre opens office in Shanghai 9 Wine Portugal partner country at HKTDC International Wine & Spirits Fair 10
<-- Mr So toasted the friendship Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 11 between Brussels and Hong Instant customs clearance for wine entering Mainland via Hong Kong 11 Kong with the representative Finance of the Order of the Friends of Renminbi included in IMF’s currency basket 11 Manneken-Pis (left) and Special Research, Innovation and Technology Representative for Hong Kong 2015 a milestone year for Science, Innovation and Technology in Hong Kong 12 Economic Affairs to the EU, Ms “An innovative environment that is growing by the day” 13 Shirley Lam. New EU-Hong Kong Research and Innovation Collaboration 14 Education Graduate scholarship opportunities at Oxford and Harvard Universities 14 Design “Barcelona Inspires” at Hong Kong’s Business of Design Week 15 European industrial designer tells his Hong Kong success story, exhibition at Grand-Hornu 16 “So French, So Innovative” returns with another exhibition 16 ART Event Horizon: arts installation “activates the skyline” in Hong Kong 17 The magic of Cantonese Opera brought to Europe 18 Hong Kong experimental theatre company at Tramedautore festival in Milan 20 Cinema Cult Hong Kong action movies provide excitement at Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes 20 HKETO, Brussels takes classic Hong Kong martial arts films to Italy, Greece and Ireland 21 SPORT Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Antwerp attracts 7 000 people 22 HKETO, Brussels sponsors Oxfam Trailwalker Belgium 24 News in Brief New Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office to open in Jakarta 26 Hong Kong business seminars in Athens, Milan and Salento 26 Hong Kong ranked first globally in economic freedom: Fraser Institute 26 <-- The crowd was entertained Warner Bros and China Media Capital form Hong Kong joint venture 26 by the RTHK Quartet. Real Madrid provides football and basketball training in Hong Kong 27 Economic forecast for 2015 raised to 2.4% 27 SPORT Thousands of enthusiasts take part in Hong Kong’s first Cyclothon 27 CINEMA --> Hong Kong films at Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival 27 Renowned player Loo Sze-wang BACK COVER performed on the Sheng, as the Ms Shirley Lam, new head of HKETO, Brussels 28 representative of the City of Brussels Solo exhibition at Angoulême Festival in January for Hong Kong comics looked on. artist Li Chi Tak 28
Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 3 Gala Dinner celebrates Hong Kong’s friendship with Belgium
On the evening of 13 October, HKETO, Brussels organised a Gala Dinner at the Egmont Palace in Brussels. The event was attended by 130 VIP guests from the Belgian Government, the European Union institutions, the diplo- matic corps, the business community, academics and the media. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Deve- lopment, Mr Gregory So, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minis- ter and Minister of the Interior, Mr Jan Jambon, and the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Phil Hogan, jointly officiated at the dinner.
The dinner, intended to celebrate the friendship between Hong Kong and Belgium and showcase Hong Kong as a gourmet destination, captured the imagination of its guests by pairing Hong Kong-style Cantonese haute cui- sine with some of the more uncommon Belgian beers.
The dishes were prepared by the chefs and students of Hong Kong’s Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI), who came to Brussels especially for the occasion. Renowned Bel- gian sommelier Eric Boschman selected a special beer European Commissioner Mr Phil Hogan highlighted the strong EU-Hong Kong for each course. relations at the dinner.
Toasting the friendship between Hong Kong, Belgium and the EU, from left: Sommelier Mr Eric Boschman; Vice-Chairman, Chinese Culinary Institute Training Board, Mr Yeung Wai-sing; Chairman of the Belgium-Hong Kong Society, Mr Piet Steel; China’s Ambassador to the EU, Madam Yang Yanyi; Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the EU, Ms Shirley Lam; European Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Phil Hogan; Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So; Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Jan Jambon; China’s Ambassador to Belgium, Mr Qu Xing; Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation to China, Mr Jo Leinen; and Assistant Representative at HKETO, Brussels, Miss Lily Lee.
The event was further enhanced by some top Hong hop on a European tour organised by the HKETO, Brus- Kong-based musical talent, the RTHK Quartet and award- sels, gave an impromptu singing performance which winning Sheng player Loo Sze-wang. was a highlight of the evening.
The RTHK Quartet chose the occasion to perform the To continue their gastronomic journey after the event, world premiere of a new work by Professor Chan Hing- all guests received as a souvenir a commemorative yan, “Two Pieces of Cantonese Music”, commissioned booklet produced by the CCI, “The Taste of Old Hong by the HKETO, Brussels. Kong”, detailing the gastronomic history and culture of Hong Kong, and a pair of Brand Hong Kong chops- Cherished Cantonese opera master Yuen Siu Fai, who ticks to symbolise the close partnership of Hong Kong was leading the Spring Glory Cantonese Opera Works- and Belgium.
4 Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 Mr So demonstrated the use of chopsticks to Mr Jan Jambon. Chefs prepare Tea-smoked Atlantic Cod Fillet with Spiced Dip and the Barbecued Crispy Pork Belly, served with Belgian Mustard.
Sommelier Mr Eric Boschman explained the beer pairings to the guests. The Gala Dinner showed how successfully Hong Kong-style Cantonese food can be paired with Belgian beer.
Mr So (right) with Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Jan Jambon (middle) The RTHK Quartet entertained the guests. and Chairman of the Belgium-Hong Kong Society, Mr Piet Steel (left).
Mr Gregory So (centre), Ms Shirley Lam (in red), Deputy Prime Minister Jan Jambon, Ambassador Qu Xing and other guests pose with the Vice-Chairman, Celebrated Cantonese opera master Yuen Siu Fai gave an impromptu performance. CCI Training Board, Mr Yeung Wai-sing, and the chefs and students of the CCI.
More photos and details can be found on our website www.hongkong-eu.org under “Events”.
Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 5 Financial Secretary meets Turkey’s Minister of Finance, Central Bank Governor
Mr Tsang also updated the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, Mr Erdem Başçi, on Hong Kong’s position as the world’s pre-eminent offshore Renminbi (RMB) centre offering a range of services including trade settlement and investment, financing and asset management. Mr Tsang said that Turkish enterprises can make good use of Hong Kong’s services in RMB trade settlement when tapping the Mainland market.
Mr Tsang with the Minister of Finance of Turkey, Mr Mehmet Şimşek.
Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, Mr John Tsang, who was in Antalya for the G20 Leaders’ Summit on 15-16 November, seized the opportunity to meet with some of Turkey’s senior financial officials.
With Minister of Finance, Mr Mehmet Şimşek, Mr Tsang discussed the massive business opportunities for countries along the “Belt and Road”, which include Turkey. Both parties looked forward to strengthening Mr Tsang (second left) with the Governor of the Central Bank of Turkey, economic co-operation between Hong Kong and Turkey. Mr Erdem Başçi (third right).
Tax and wine agreements “raise Hong Kong-Romania bilateral relations to new level”
The Financial Secretary, Mr John Tsang, has said that The Financial Secretary, who was on a two-day visit bilateral relations between Hong Kong and Romania to Romania, signed the tax agreement on behalf have been raised to a new level after the signing of two of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region key agreements in 2015: a Comprehensive Agreement Government, while State Secretary for Public Finance, for Avoidance of Double Taxation, signed in Bucharest on Mr Attila György, signed on behalf of the Government 18 November, and a Memorandum of Understanding on of Romania. Co-operation in Wine-related Businesses, signed in Hong Kong on 11 June. Mr Tsang said the agreement, which will come into force after the completion of ratification procedures on both sides, sets out clearly the allocation of taxing rights between the two jurisdictions and will help investors better assess their potential tax liabilities from cross- border economic activities.
“It will offer additional incentives for companies in Romania to do business or invest in Hong Kong, and vice versa,” he added.
During his visit to Bucharest, Mr Tsang also had discussions with the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ms Carmen Burlacu, the Executive President of the Mr Tsang and Romania’s State Secretary for Public Finance, Mr Attila György Romanian Banking Association, Mr Florin Dănescu and signed an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation in Bucharest the Vice-President of the Chamber of Commerce and on 18 November. Industry of Romania (CCIR), Mr Aurelian Gogulescu.
6 Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 Mr Tsang (second left) outlined Hong Kong’s world-class and diversified financial services to Executive President of Romanian Banking Association, Mr Mr Tsang met with the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ms Carmen Burlacu. Florin Dănescu (second right).
He also spoke at a seminar organised on 18 November Mr Tsang said the wine and tax agreements concluded by HKETO, Brussels and the Hong Kong Trade and by Hong Kong and Romania lay a solid foundation for Development Council, with the support of the Chamber further growth in bilateral trade and investment. of Commerce and Industry of Romania. With the wine agreement in place, more consumers from Mr Tsang told participants that that Hong Kong-Romanian Hong Kong, Mainland China and right through the Asian relations have come a long way in the last few years. region will soon be discovering, and enjoying, Romania’s fine wine.
“It is sure to encourage more Romanian wine producers to make good use of Hong Kong’s advantages as a duty- free port with zero duty for wine imports, a regional logistics and business hub, and the world’s largest wine auction centre”, he said.
Hong Kong could help Romanian companies to capitalise on the wealth of opportunities emerging from China’s Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, commonly known as the “Belt and Road” Mr Tsang (second left) spoke at a business seminar on “Opportunities under initiative, that was spearheaded by President Xi of China the Belt and Road Initiative” in Bucharest on 18 November. Seated with him, in 2013. from left, are Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the EU, Ms Shirley Lam; Vice President of the CCIR, Mr Aurelian Gogulescu; “This grand and far-reaching initiative aims to expand and Regional Director, Europe, HKTDC, Mr Stephen Wong. trans-continental connectivity, to promote economic, political and cultural co-operation from Asia through “Since the reopening of the Consulate General of Romania Africa and on to Europe. I believe it will emerge as a in Hong Kong in 2008, the number of Romanian citizens driving force of the world economy in this 21st century. living in Hong Kong has picked up, as has our bilateral trade. Last year, total trade between our two economies “The Maritime Silk Road will create fresh demand for exceeded US$ 380 million (RON 1.56 billion – EUR 347 shipping services. With its plan to build a “Black Sea- million). That was an increase of more than 30% over Caspian Sea Freight Corridor”, Romania is set to become the amount in 2013. a hub connecting other inland destinations in Europe to Central Asia and eastwards to China. Romanian logistics “The opening of the office of the Romanian Chamber companies will find it advantageous to establish a of Commerce in Hong Kong two years ago is another presence in Hong Kong, using our maritime services to clear testimony of our growing bilateral trade and the tap into the markets of the “Belt and Road,” the Financial potential that it presents.” Secretary said.
For details of the Hong Kong-Romania tax agreement, please see: www.ird.gov.hk/eng/pdf/Agreement_Romania_HongKong.pdf For details of the wine-related business agreement, please see: www.wine.gov.hk/doc/en/MOU_with_Romania_on_co-operation_in_wine-related_businesses.pdf
Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 7 CEPA Mainland China opens to Hong Kong services industry
Witnessed by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr CY Leung (centre), the agreement was signed on 27 November by Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, Mr John Tsang (left) and China’s Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr Wang Shouwen (right).
A key agreement signed in Hong Kong provides that Hong Kong’s favourable position to enjoy the Mainland’s from 1 June 2016, the Mainland of China will fully or most preferential liberalisation measures is assured by partially open up to the Hong Kong services industry in the agreement’s Most-Favoured Treatment provision, 153 sectors, accounting for 95.6% of the 160 World Trade which specifies that any preferential treatment the Organization services trade sectors. Mainland accorded to other countries or regions, if more preferential than those under CEPA, will be extended to The Agreement on Trade in Services was signed within the Hong Kong. framework of the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the free trade agreement between the Mainland Foreign companies established in Hong Kong can also and Hong Kong, and follows a pilot liberalisation of trade benefit from CEPA’s trade and services liberalisation in services in Guangdong since 1 March 2015. measures under certain conditions.
The agreement further enhances the liberalisation The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in both breadth and depth, including extending will maintain close communication with the Mainland the implementation of the majority of Guangdong authorities to continue enriching the contents of CEPA, pilot liberalisation measures to the whole Mainland; and to negotiate and formulate more liberalisation reducing the restrictive measures in the negative list; and trade and investment facilitating measures at an and adding 28 liberalisation measures in the positive appropriate time. lists for cross-border services as well as cultural and telecommunications services. In respect of the mode of “commercial presence”, national treatment will be For more information, please see: applied to Hong Kong in 62 sectors. www.tid.gov.hk/english/cepa/index.html
Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre “most preferred arbitral institution outside of Europe”
The Queen Mary University of London, regarded as International Bar Association conference in Vienna on 6 the world’s most important international arbitration October. data-gatherer, has ranked the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) as the most preferred The Survey also found HKIAC, which is celebrating its 30th arbitration institution outside of Europe and the third anniversary, to be the world’s most improved institution best worldwide after London and Paris. over the past five years. The Survey’s 763 respondents based their choice of institution on an assessment of The rankings are contained in the University’s sixth the quality of its administration, neutrality and level of International Arbitration Survey, released at the annual internationalism.
8 Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 The HKIAC’s Chairperson, Ms Teresa Cheng SC, said the specialising in arbitration when he arrived in Hong Kong findings “cement the fact that Hong Kong is at the very in 2009. The law firm now has five arbitration specialists, forefront as venue for alternative dispute resolution and other firms are also enhancing their dispute in Asia and the preferred seat for complex disputes resolution offerings. involving parties from across the globe.” “This is a fantastic reflection of the growing reputation The Survey also underlined Hong Kong’s commitment to and strength of Hong Kong’s arbitration space. Hong continuous improvement by introducing new measures Kong’s court system is strictly independent and has long in the arbitration arena. “For example,” Ms Cheng said, been considered a pro-arbitration stronghold in Asia,” “HKIAC’s tribunal secretary services and its accompanying he said. guidelines are intended to regulate the use of tribunal secretaries and to bring more transparency to such By virtue of its British-based common law system, Mr practices.” D’Agostino said that Hong Kong offers a court, arbitration and mediation regime familiar to parties used to Another new measure relates to arbitrator conduct. Ms resolving disputes in similar systems, and access to an Cheng said the body recently launched an evaluation experienced and independent judiciary that upholds system which allows the HKIAC to take appropriate the rule of law. “Hong Kong now offers multiple dispute steps to improve arbitrators’ performance based on user resolution services as well as access to world-renowned feedback. arbitrators and a first-class administrative apparatus for arbitration.” Lord Goldsmith QC, Chair of European and Asian Litigation at Debevoise & Plimpton, said that with its unparalleled Ms Cheng said that with its 30 years of commitment geographical connectivity, modern legal infrastructure, to international arbitration developments, HKIAC is now independent judicial system, strong arbitration and firmly established as a global leader in dispute resolution industry expertise, and impressive enforcement record, services. “The results of the Queen Mary survey are clear “Hong Kong meets, or even exceeds, all standards in the evidence of this achievement.” recently introduced CIArb London Centenary Principles.”
Mr Justin D’Agostino, Herbert Smith Freehills’ Global For more information, please see: Head of Dispute Resolution, said he was the only partner www.hkiac.org/en/
Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre opens Office in Shanghai
The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) development. Hong Kong possesses the attributes for opened an Office in Shanghai on 19 November. Located the provision of an ideal neutral arbitration venue for in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, it is the Mainland and foreign enterprises. first representative office set up by an international arbitration institution in Mainland China.
At the opening ceremony, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen SC, said that it was a ground-breaking arrangement for the HKIAC to set up a representative office in the Mainland. Shanghai enterprises would be able to make use of the Centre’s experience in solving business disputes, particularly in the area of international arbitration, and the HKIAC Shanghai Office could provide further exchange and development opportunities for the legal and arbitration sectors in both places.
Looking ahead, Mr Yuen pointed out that Shanghai and Hong Kong are facing business opportunities brought Officiating at the opening ceremony of the HKIAC Shanghai Office were Hong about by China’s development and the Belt and Road Kong’s Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen (second right), the Chairperson initiative. High-end international legal and arbitration of the HKIAC, Ms Teresa Cheng SC (third right) and representatives of the services form an integral part of trade and economic Shanghai Municipal Government.
Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 9 HKTDC International Wine & Spirits Fair – Partner Country Portugal
Over 40 exhibitors from Partner Country Portugal took part in the Fair. ©HKTDC
Wine enthusiasts and traders connected with over 1 000 Whisky trend wine exhibitors from 31 countries and regions at the 8th HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair on 5-7 Whisky is increasingly sought after by buyers at the November 2015. Over 370 exhibitors were from France fair. Hong Kong’s whisky imports last year amounted to and Italy, the highest number among all the countries around HK$590 million (EUR 69.2 million), an increase and regions. of 30% from 2013; exports reached HK$480 million (EUR 56.3 million), comparable to 2013, likely attributable to The three-day Wine & Spirits Fair drew more than 20 000 growing consumption in Hong Kong. Ms Florence Luk of trade buyers from 75 countries and regions, up 2.4% local exhibitor Asia Euro Wines & Spirits pointed out that from 2014. Encouraging growth in buyer numbers was consumer demand for quality whiskies has been growing recorded for individual countries and regions including steadily in recent years, so much so that a whisky trend France, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Macau. The final has formed. As has long been the case for wine, fine day of the fair was open to the public, and attracted close whiskies have achieved record results at auction in Hong to 30 000 wine lovers, creating a vibrant atmosphere in Kong – in August, a bottle of 1960 Karuizawa sold for the fairground. HK$ 918,750 (EUR 108,348) at Bonhams. Ireland’s Consul General Peter Ryan said that in 2014, whiskey imports to Portugal, Partner Country Hong Kong grew by 40% and he believed there was an excellent opportunity to expand Irish whiskey sales to Portugal, the fair’s Partner Country, presented over 40 Hong Kong, which is often described as the shop window wineries showcasing 500 Portuguese wines, and arranged for China. a series of wine tasting sessions and wine education activities. In recent years, Portuguese wine merchants have set up more business operations and distribution networks in Hong Kong to use the city as a springboard to tap into the Mainland and Asia Pacific markets. Mr Nuno Vale, Marketing Director of ViniPortugal, the inter- professional association of the Portuguese wine industry, noted that Portuguese wines are very diversified and have attracted more demand in Mainland China and other Asian markets in recent years. The fair has caught the attention of global wine merchants and is not only an important gateway to the Asian markets, but also a premier promotion platform through which buyers learn more about the characteristics of Portuguese wines. Whisky is becoming increasingly popular in Hong Kong. ©HKTDC
10 Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival Around 144 000 people flocked to the CCB (Asia) Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival on 22- 25 October 2015 to sample great wine and food from 23 countries. A country pavilion showcased wines from among others Bordeaux, Italy, Portugal and Spain. It was the biggest festival yet, with more than 340 food and wine booths in all, and for the first time, whisky and craft-beer areas.
The Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival. --> Instant customs clearance for wine entering Mainland China via Hong Kong
Financial Secretary Mr John Tsang announced on 5 costs would be saved as wine re-exported from Hong Kong November that customs facilitation measures for wine can get instant clearance at designated Mainland ports. entering Mainland China through Hong Kong had been The extension of the measures will help wine from all over extended from designated ports in Guangzhou and the world enter the northern China market, he added. Shenzhen to all ports in the Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou and Shenzhen regions. The news was welcomed by exhibitors at the fair. Managing Director of Vinitaly International, Ms Stevie Kim, called the Mr Tsang, who was officiating at the opening of the Hong measure “very significant” in terms of time. She noted Kong Trade Development Council’s Wine & Spirits Fair, said that Hong Kong remains a very important wine market for that Hong Kong-registered wine exporters, who submit Italian wine producers, acting as a fast track to Mainland advance wine consignment information online, may China thanks to the removal, back in February 2008, of all enjoy instant customs clearance at the Mainland ports duty-related customs and administrative controls. concerned. Details of the facilitation measures can be found on the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Mr Government’s wine portal : Gregory So said the facilitation measure, exclusive to Hong www.wine.gov.hk and on the Custom and Excise Department’s Kong, underlines the city’s position as a wine hub. Time and website, www.customs.gov.hk/en/trade_facilitation/wine/index.html Renminbi included in IMF’s currency basket
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has welcomed believe Hong Kong can continue to play a pivotal role the International Monetary Fund Executive Board’s of bridgehead and financial hub in the process of decision on 30 November to include China’s currency, Mainland’s further opening up its financial markets and the renminbi (RMB) in the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) RMB internationalisation,” Mr Chan said. currency basket from 1 October 2016. IMF chief Christine Lagarde said the renminbi’s inclusion HKMA Chief Executive Norman Chan said today the in the SDR is a clear indication of the reforms that have decision confirms that the RMB is a freely usable been implemented in China and will continue to be currency, enhances the reserve currency basket’s implemented. representativeness, and marks a key milestone in RMB internationalisation. The SDR is an international reserve asset created by the IMF and its value is determined as a weighted average “Being the largest offshore RMB business centre with of the basket currencies, currently comprising the US close economic and trade ties with Mainland China, Hong dollar, euro, pound sterling and Japanese yen. The IMF Kong should seize this historic opportunity and continue reviews the SDR’s composition every five years to ensure to strengthen our financial market infrastructure, that it reflects the relative importance of currencies in as well as upgrading our talent pool and products. I the world’s trading and financial systems.
Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 11 2015 a milestone year for Science, Innovation and Technology in Hong Kong
Mr Leung (front row, fourth right), the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang (front row, second right) and other guests at the summit.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Mr CY Leung, has said The Chief Executive was confident that Hong Kong’s that 2015 will prove to be a milestone year for science, scientific nucleus will only grow in the future. Hong Kong innovation and technology in Hong Kong. students traditionally excel in science and maths. The OECD’s 2012 Programme for International Student Mr Leung was referring to four significant initiatives Assessment (PISA) study looking at 65 countries and in 2015, namely the decisions by the Karolinska regions ranked Hong Kong’s 15-year-olds second in Institutet of Sweden and the Massachusetts Institute of scientific literacy and third in mathematical literacy. Technology to establish a research base in Hong Kong; the establishment of a new Government bureau for As regards entrepreneurship, Hong Kong’s start-up innovation and technology, responsible for formulating ecosystem has rocketed in the past few years, with holistic policies; and the inauguration of the Academy of more than 1 500 start-ups in place as of August 2015, up Sciences of Hong Kong. 50%, year-on-year.
The Chief Executive made the remarks at the first The Government would continue to encourage the private Science and Technology Innovation Summit organised sector’s participation in research and development by the Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong (ASHK) on 6 through the Innovation and Technology Fund, which December. supports all downstream research, product development and commercialisation activities carried out by Well-known guests and scientists at the Summit included universities, research institutes and enterprises. ASHK founding members who shared their research findings. French mathematician Professor Jean-Pierre The Hong Kong Science Park, the city’s flagship Bourguignon and President of the European Research technology centre, provides facilities, services and a Council and former President of the French Academy dynamic environment, enabling companies to nurture of Sciences, Professor Jean Salençon, were among the and commercialise their ideas. At present, Science Park speakers. counts some 570 local, Mainland and overseas technology companies, including more than 220 start-ups. There are Stressing that the Hong Kong Government believes in the also plans to further expand Science Park. positive impact science, innovation and technology will have on the people and on the economy, Mr Leung said, “we are committed to creating the necessary ecosystem, More information about the Innovation and Technology Fund can be government infrastructure and policies to support found at www.ict.gov.hk innovation, science and technology developments in Hong More information about the Science Park can be found at Kong. We firmly believe in the potential of this sector.” www.hkstp.org
12 Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 An innovative environment that is growing by the day Four initiatives that will boost Hong Kong as a centre for science, innovation and technology
The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung (left), met the visiting President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Mr Rafael Reif (right), at Government House on 9 November. He welcomed the MIT’s initiative to set up the MIT Hong Kong Innovation Node in Hong Kong.
Karolinska Institutet China-Hong Kong overnight. This unparalleled speed of small quantity Regenerative Medicine Centre manufacturing is unique to Shenzhen,” Mr Sodini said.
On 2 February, the Karolinska Institutet of Sweden, a world Innovation and Technology Bureau (ITB) renowned medical and life science research institution, announced the establishment of its first research base On 20 November the Government established the Innovation outside Sweden in its 200 year history. The Karolinska and Technology Bureau (ITB). The ITB will strengthen Institutet China-Hong Kong Regenerative Medicine Centre collaboration and coordination between the Government, will be housed in the Hong Kong Science Park. industry, academia and the world’s science and research institutes, and expedite the development of innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) technology and related industries in Hong Kong.
On 9 November, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong (ASHK) (MIT) announced the launch of an “Innovation Node” in Hong Kong next summer. MIT students, faculty and On 5 December, the Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong researchers will develop their projects alongside Hong (ASHK) was inaugurated to promote the development, Kong students and faculty, as well as entrepreneurs and advancement and teaching of science and technology businesses. The Node’s faculty director and Professor in Hong Kong. It will bring together leading scientists of Electrical Engineering at from Hong Kong’s tertiary MIT, Charles Sodini said it “HK has a very vibrant, and a institutions and overseas. would give students the Two renowned French materials and tools they very mature, successful research scientists are among its 27 need to quickly develop environment with very strong founding members, Professor ideas into prototypes. MIT Jean-Marie Lehn, winner had chosen Hong Kong institutions. It has a very strong of the 1987 Nobel Prize in because in addition to the innovative environment that Chemistry, Professor at the presence of strong research is growing by the day.” University of Strasbourg; universities, the city provides and Professor Philippe ready access to Shenzhen, Rafael Reif, MIT President Ciarlet, Member of the a unique manufacturing French Academy of Sciences, infrastructure that encourages prototyping and scale- Professor at the City University of Hong Kong. ASHK will up. “Manufacturers in Shenzhen have mastered the cooperate with the industrial and commercial sector to ability to prototype device to unit quantities of hundreds strengthen the application of research results.
Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 13 New EU-Hong Kong Research and Innovation Collaboration
proposals in science disciplines (biology, medicine, engineering, and physical sciences) or for exchange proposals in all disciplines.
Mr Vincent Piket, Head of the EU Office to Hong Kong and Macao said the collaboration scheme was an exciting new development in EU-Hong Kong bilateral relations. “Research and innovation is a key economic policy agenda for both the EU and Hong Kong. I am pleased that researchers on both sides will work side by side and benefit from each other’s experience,” he said.
Professor Benjamin Wah, Chairman of the RGC said international research collaborations allow researchers to pull resources together for bigger impact in the discovery and advancement of knowledge which transcend geographical boundaries. “The new collaboration scheme will no doubt provide opportunities to researchers in the EU and Hong Kong to reach new heights in their work The research collaboration scheme is an exciting new development and further strengthen their academic networks.” in EU-Hong Kong relations. The new Horizon 2020 Work Programmes 2016/2017 have The Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (RGC) and just been opened for application and offer numerous the European Commission reached a ground-breaking opportunities for researchers and innovators. agreement on 10 November to set up a collaboration scheme for research and innovation which will allow co- funding of Hong Kong researchers in the EU Framework For information about the Horizon 2020 programme: Programme Horizon 2020. http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020/
The European Commission/Research Grants Council For information about the collaboration scheme funded by the Collaboration Scheme aims to foster the EU-Hong Kong Research Grants Council, please contact: collaboration in scientific research and researchers’ Ms Daphne Chan at [email protected] exchanges. Both basic and applied research projects of high academic merit will be considered. The Hong For general information please contact: Kong partners of the successful projects under Horizon Paul-Francois Polidori, Press and Information Officer, EU Office to 2020 can apply for the RGC grants for research project Hong Kong and Macao at [email protected] Graduate scholarship opportunities at Oxford and Harvard Universities
Hong Kong students in Europe can benefit from an At Oxford University, the scholarships are for a full-time exciting educational opportunity open to applicants who master’s or full-time DPhil course. are ordinarily resident in Hong Kong. At Harvard University, the scholarships are for a full- The Hong Kong Jockey Club has launched two new time graduate degree programme at selected schools at scholarship schemes, one for Oxford University, the Harvard University for up to three years. other for Harvard University. Three scholarships would be offered under each scheme from 2016-17 onwards.
For more information, please refer to the website of Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships: http://charities.hkjc.com/charities/english/charities-trust/projects/project_hkjc-scholarship.aspx
14 Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 “Barcelona Inspires” at Business of Design Week
At the BODW opening ceremony, from left: Executive Director, HKTDC, Ms Margaret Fong; First Vice Mayor of Barcelona, Mr Gerardo Pisarello; Chairman of Board of Directors, HKDC, Mr Victor Lo; Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung; Secretary of State, High Commissioner of Brand Spain, Mr Carlos Espinosa de los Monteros; Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So; and Secretary for Business and Competitiveness of the Government of Catalonia, Generalitat de Catalunya, Mr Pere Torres.
Hong Kong’s Business of Design Week (BODW) drew to a an exceptional experience. “There are few other such successful close on 5 December after a week of thought- opportunities to meet a wide range of figures from provoking programmes. Year after year, BODW provides diverse professions and learn about the relevance a significant platform for the exchange of ideas in Asia of design to their field, be it fashion, sculpture or and offers an invaluable opportunity to network and technology,” he said. explore creative and business cooperation. Another speaker, Ross Lovegrove, Industrial Designer of Barcelona proved true to its slogan, “Barcelona Inspires ROSS LOVEGROVE added, “what’s unique about BODW Design”. Community-driven and forward thinking, is the calibre of the speakers and the sessions. I have design and business talents from Barcelona shared had the chance to network and engage in creative their thoughts, ideas and expertise on how good design exchange with world-renown designers, artists and helps create cities of the future, under the BODW 2015 business leaders. That kind of idea-sharing is essential theme “Design. Cities. Future.” to charting the designs of the future and producing globally sustainable ideas.” BODW 2015 welcomed an exceptional line-up of over 75 business leaders and creatives from 15 countries Six concurrent BODW programmes rounded off the and cities, including 20 from Barcelona, to speak on design week, including deTour 2015, a ten-day fest design, innovation and brands. They offered stimulating celebrating creative education and fostering young discussion of community and culture within the realm talents, held this year at Central’s iconic venue PMQ; of innovative design and business growth. the Business of IP Asia Forum, in which business leaders from around the world came together to share The story of Antoni Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Familia was their IP insights; and InnoDesignTech Expo, showcasing presented by Dr Jordi Fauli, Head Architect. Snapshots of projects and innovations to help trading, manufacturing Barcelona’s rich modern heritage were viewed through and service sectors enhance their capacity to supply the lens of beloved football club FC Barcelona, cutting- world markets. edge fashion brand Desigual and others. Inspiring speakers from Barcelona included Marti Guixe, CEO & The biggest event of its kind in Asia, BODW is co- Designer, Concepts and Ideas for Commercial Purposes, organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) and known for his unconventional approach to design, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) with fusing diverse disciplines into one creative force. the support of CreateHK.
One of the speakers, artist Jaume Plensa of the Next year, BODW will welcome Chicago as its BODW 2016 Plensa Studio Barcelona, said BODW 2015 had been Partner City, under the theme “Chicago Made”.
Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 15 European industrial designer tells his compelling Hong Kong success story Exhibition at Le Grand-Hornu from 31 January 2016
Michael Young teamed up with Moke International, Mainland car manufacturer Chery Automotive and its subsidiary, Sicar Engineering to create an up-to-date version Michael Young showed examples of his work at the international design event of the Moke. Brussels Design September on 21 September.
International designers find no better place than Hong He experimented with the most advanced and Kong to turn their creativity into business. One remarkable sophisticated processes, working with factories in the example is Hong Kong-based industrial designer Michael Mainland to create award-winning contemporary designs. Young, who during a lecture organised as part of Brussels His creations, some of which are in museum collections, Design September 2015, told an audience of design range from furniture and lighting to glassware, watches enthusiasts about the creative opportunities he found in and bicycles. He also designed a new version of the Mini Hong Kong after settling in the city ten years ago. Moke, the iconic 1960s car.
He said that unlike in Europe, where the design business Michael Young’s work in aluminium is considered is more tightly structured and predictable because it was particularly innovative, and will be shown at an already so long-established, “what’s beautiful about exhibition at the Centre for Innovation and Design (CID) being in Hong Kong is that you never know what is around of Le Grand Hornu, near Mons in Belgium, from 31 the corner”, serendipity often providing inspiration for January to 29 May 2016. Alongside his own creations, new projects. he has selected a series of iconic projects carried out by pioneers or contemporary designers, using aluminum in Michael Young established his studio in Hong Kong in a remarkable way. 2006 with the assistance of InvestHK. It proved to be a convenient base to tap the skills of Mainland China’s More information about InvestHK can be found at www.investhk.gov.hk manufacturing industry and set up a distribution network More information about the exhibition at Le Grand-Hornu can be around the world. found at www.cid-grand-hornu.be/en/expositions/_AL_L/126/
“So French, So Innovative” After its overwhelming success in 2014, “So French So Innovative”, an interactive exhibition showcasing showcases best of French technologies France’s best innovations and technologies, was held at One IFC Mall in Central on 16-27 November 2015.
Christine Brendle, President of the Hong Kong section of the French Foreign Trade Advisors said the aim was to reinforce the message developed the previous year and create surprise and awareness of the numerous French innovations which are having a positive impact on the daily life of Hong Kong people.
Exhibiting companies were STMicroelectronics, Somfy, Dassault Falcon, Thales, VINCI Construction, Vasconi The exhibition focused on connectivity technology, sustainable living, Architectes, Suez, Capgemini, Hologram Industries, innovative services and design, creative design, and financial and Precilens, Kids Dailies, Parrot, Arkadin, 8 Securities, BNP communications technology. Paribas, Natixis, Société Générale and Crédit Agricole CIB.
16 Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 Intriguing arts installation “activates the skyline” in Hong Kong
Event Horizon is one of the artist’s most famous works, together with two works permanently located in England, public sculpture Angel of the North (1998) in Gateshead and Another Place (1997) on Crosby Beach near Liverpool.
Event Horizon, a major public art installation by Turner- “Sir Antony wants Hong Kong to become a place of Prize winning British sculptor, Sir Antony Gromley, can reverie that invites reflection on human nature and our be seen in Hong Kong until 18 May 2016. place in the wider scheme of things. These sculptures are meant to, as he puts it, “activate the skyline in Thirty-one life-size, identical sculptures cast from the order to encourage people to look around,” Mrs Lam artist’s own body perch on rooftops and stand on the said. “Therefore, I will be most happy to join pedestrians ground in Central and Western District. These solitary on the street to look up and look around to explore the figures look out into space to question the relation place of the individual in a collective space.” between the built world and an inherited earth. The Chief Secretary added that the West Kowloon Cultural Event Horizon was first shown in London in 2007, District’s museum for visual culture, M+, which opens in followed by Rotterdam, New York, São Paulo and Rio de 2019, had acquired Sir Anthony’s landmark installation Janeiro. The artist chose Hong Kong as the first Asian city “Asian Field” in 2014. The large-scale sculptural to present the installation. installation comprises approximately 200 000 unique, hand-formed clay figurines produced in 2003 by 350 Speaking at the launch ceremony on 19 November, inhabitants of Xiangshan village in Guangdong Province Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, said under the guidance of Sir Anthony. The M+ collection Hong Kong’s condensed urban environment, unique also has a piece of his fascinating work “Matrix”. topography and vertical density provide an ideal setting for the project.
Mrs Carrie Lam with sculptor Sir Antony Gromley (right) and Mr Bob Ness (left), the Director of the British Council in Hong Kong, which brought the exhibition to Hong Kong with the support of K11 Art Foundation. Four of the figures are in cast iron and 27 in fiberglass.
Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 17 The magic of Cantonese opera brought to audiences in the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels The Spring Glory troupe presented “Backstage”, a (HKETO, Brussels) introduced the magic of Cantonese modern drama performed in English which explained opera to European audiences in five cities in the what happens backstage during a Cantonese opera. Netherlands, Belgium and Italy on 5-15 October. Through this delightful two-hour show, the audience was introduced to the significance and symbolism of the dazzling costumes and unique make-up, the stylised movements and the intricate choreography of fighting rehearsals, as well as the instrumental and vocal techniques of Hong Kong’s most indigenous performing art. After the intermission, the troupe performed an excerpt scene from the famous traditional opera “Two Heroic Families” with English subtitles.
The reactions from audiences, for the majority of whom it was a first time opportunity to discover Cantonese opera, were overwhelmingly positive.
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic A scene from “Two Heroic Families”. Cantonese opera incorporates stunts Development, Mr Gregory So, and the Alderman of the and fights using weapons and drawing on the Shaolin martial arts. City of Antwerp and Chairman of the Port Authority, Mr Marc Van Peel, officiated at the performance in Antwerp. Cantonese opera is one of the major styles of Xiqu The event was organised in cooperation with the New (Chinese Opera), developed in southern China. Its Generation Sino Culture Association with the support of origins can be traced back more than 300 years. It the Belgium-Hong Kong Society. blends Chinese legend, music and drama into a vibrant performance style, rich with symbolic meaning.
Performers are trained not only in singing, acting and speech delivery, but in acrobatics and the martial arts. Cantonese opera was inscribed onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.
To promote this unique art form to European audiences, HKETO, Brussels invited the Spring Glory Cantonese Opera Workshop, led by famous Maestro Yuen Siu Fai, to stage performances in Rotterdam, The Hague and Amsterdam in the Netherlands, in Antwerp in Belgium and in Viterbo In The Hague, Deputy Mayor Mr Rabin Baldewsingh (second left), Special in Italy. Representative for Hong Kong’s Economic and Trade Affairs to the EU, Ms Shirley Lam (third left), Chairman of the Netherlands-Hong Kong Society, Mr Hans Poulis (far left) and other guests posed with the performers.
In The Hague, the performance was attended by the Deputy Mayor, Mr Rabin Baldewsingh. The performances in the Netherlands were co-organised with the New China Town Foundation, with support of the Netherlands-Hong Kong Society and the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands. In Viterbo, Italy, “Backstage” was performed as part of the International Theatre Festival Quartieri Dell’arte. The European tour was also supported by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and the Arts The modern play “Backstage” showed what happens behind the scenes in a Development Fund administered by the Home Affairs Cantonese opera performance. Bureau.
18 Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 Preserving a unique art form District will provide 40 hectares of art, culture, theatre and green space, set along Hong Kong’s magnificent Cantonese opera is one of the most popular performing Victoria Harbour. arts in Hong Kong, with over 1 000 performances a year. The Hong Kong SAR Government is keen to preserve Every summer, Hong Kong holds the Chinese Opera this important part of Cantonese culture and heritage, Festival, which sees celebrated artists from all over China and encourage its continued appreciation by younger captivate audiences in Hong Kong through a compelling generations. mix of opera genres, including the local Cantonese opera. In addition, for the last 13 years, the last Sunday of each November has been designated Cantonese Opera Day by the authorities of Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao, with exchanges between the three places. Experiencing Cantonese opera in Hong Kong
Cantonese opera is presented at a variety of venues across Hong Kong. In addition to conventional theatres, there are performances in traditional, temporary theatres, made from bamboo and cloth.
The troupe gave workshops to students, at the Royal Music Conservatory in Brussels and at the Sapienza University of Rome (pictured). Students learnt about the fundamentals of Cantonese opera, and were excited to try the special make-up during the workshop.
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts has launched Hong Kong’s and possibly the world’s, first bachelor’s degree course in Cantonese opera. Chinese Opera School Chair Fredric Mao said although the academy has been providing Cantonese opera courses for over a decade, the major challenge in providing a degree course is to develop a proper teaching method. The course will also develop relationships and interactions with the opera industry so students can experiment and learn how to connect with a modern audience.
Pictured is the 800-seat West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre, erected on the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade.
Performances can be enjoyed without understanding Cantonese or being familiar with the stories of Chinese history and mythology from which these dramas are derived. The performances alone are entertaining enough, with their spectacle of colourful costumes, extravagant sets and famously unique style of singing. Notwithstanding, some theatres are starting to provide Joining the performers in Antwerp during the interval, from left: Ms Shirley English subtitles. Moreover, the English synopsis of over Lam; Chairman of the Belgium-Hong Kong Society, Mr Piet Steel; Alderman 100 Cantonese operas can be found on the website of the of the City of Antwerp, Mr Marc Peel; Secretary for Commerce and Economic Chinese Opera Information Centre at www.cuhkcoic.hk. Development, Mr Gregory So; Chairman of the New Generation Sino Culture Association, Mr Gerard Yeung (back row); and Mr Zhang Lijun, Minister- The Hong Kong Heritage Museum’s Cantonese Opera Counsellor, Chinese Embassy. Heritage Hall offers a wonderful insight into the history and unique characteristics of Cantonese opera, with The 1 000-seat Xiqu Centre for Chinese opera will be a variety of multimedia programmes. It contains a the first major building to open in the West Kowloon reconstructed bamboo theater, authentic costumes and Cultural District in just two years’ time. The Cultural other operatic treasures from the museum’s collection.
Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 19 Hong Kong experimental theatre company at Tramedautore Festival in Milan
With the support of HKETO, Brussels, lives to the preservation of ancient Zuni Icosahedron, the international Chinese architecture. Zhang Xin and experimental theatre company her husband Pan Zhiyi, the most from Hong Kong, performed its play successful property developers “One Hundred Years of Chinese in China, introduced Western hip, Architecture” at Tramedautore, the urban architecture to the country. annual International Festival for Contemporary Drama in Milan. Zuni Icosahedron, founded in 1982 by Danny Yung and Mathias Woo, is Tramedautore was celebrating one of the nine major professional contemporary Chinese directors performing arts companies in and playwrights this year, in a Hong Kong with over 200 original cultural programme contributing to productions of alternative theatre Milan EXPO 2015. Zuni Icosahedron and multimedia performances. represented Hong Kong to open the Festival on 11 and 12 September.
The play, directed by Mathias Woo and written by Jimmy Ngai, portrayed a crucial century for China and its architecture, as told through the stories of two real- life couples almost a century apart. Liang Sicheng, the Father of Modern Chinese Architecture, and Co-founder of Zuni Icosahedron and play In the play, architecture becomes a silent witness his wife Lin Huiyin, the first female director Mathias Woo (second from left) met of the changes of an entire country. architect in China, dedicated their with the audience.
Cult Hong Kong action movies provide excitement at Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes
Hong Kong action movies featured at the international that the Office was delighted to support the Festival for “Festival des 3 Continents” in Nantes from 24 November the first time. to 1 December. Founded in 1979, the Festival screens feature films, both fiction and documentaries, from Asia, Africa and Latin America. Credited with revealing major directors like Wong Kar-wai to the French public, the festival is attended by an audience of 26 000 people.
Kung-fu fighters and cult movies provided excitement in the Festival’s “Hong Kong Connection” programme, which comprised Chang Cheh’s “One-Armed Swordsman”, Lo Wei’s “Fist of Fury”, Yuen Woo-ping’s “Drunken Master”, Johnny Mak’s “Long Arm of the Law”, Tsui Hark’s “Once Upon a Time in China” and Andrew Lau and Alan Mak’s “Infernal Affairs”. The Executive and Artistic Director of the Festival des 3 Continents, Mr Speaking at a reception before a screening of Lo Wei’s Jérôme Baron (left), and the Deputy Representative of the Hong Kong 1972 classic “Fist of Fury” starring Bruce Lee, the Deputy Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, Miss Drew Lai (right), at the Representative of the HKETO, Brussels Miss Drew Lai said reception, on 26 November.
20 Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 HKETO, Brussels takes classic Hong Kong martial arts films to Italy, Greece and Ireland
Film Festival has been held annually in Hong Kong for the past four years, most recently in May 2015. Thessaloniki After Salento, the three films, plus Tsui Hark’s “Once Upon a Time in China II”, Jackie Chan’s “The Young Master” and Sammo Hung’s “Spooky Encounters”, were screened on 10-13 September at the Olympion Theatre in Thessaloniki, where there was also a round-table discussion about Hong Kong cinema. Dublin In Ireland, the martial arts retrospective was shown as a special weekend side programme of the Dublin Bruce Lee wrote, produced, directed and starred in martial arts action comedy International Film Festival under the name “DIFF PIX: “The Way of the Dragon”. Hong Kong Kicks” on 25-28 September. DIFF PIX is the platform the Dublin International Film Festival uses for In September HKETO, Brussels took its retrospective of special events organised alongside the main festival. classic Hong Kong martial arts films to three more cities: Tricase in Italy’s Salento peninsula, Thessaloniki and “Hong Kong Kicks” was launched with a martial arts Dublin. demonstration in the Irish capital’s Smithfield Square with the support of Dublin City Council, bringing the Curated by the Hong Kong International Film Festival event right onto the streets of Dublin. Society, a partner of HKETO, Brussels, the films had already been screened in Amsterdam, Brussels, Florence, Speaking at the opening reception on 25 September at Istanbul, Izmir, Sofia and Udine, where they were well the Chester Beatty Library, before a screening of “Once received by a new generation of cinema fans discovering Upon a Time in China II”, Acting Special Representative them for the first time, and by older cinema-goers who for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European enjoyed the nostalgia of seeing them again. Union, Miss Drew Lai, welcomed this first cooperation between HKETO, Brussels and the Dublin International While Hong Kong now produces films of many different Film Festival. genres, its martial arts films are still firm favourites around the world and the values embodied by Kung Fu The Executive Director of the Hong Kong International – strive for perfection, never give up, and at the same Film Festival Society, Mr Roger Garcia, was the Festival’s time, be flexible – resonate with the Hong Kong spirit. Guest Curator and also officiated at the opening. He moderated a Q&A session on 26 September after the Kung Fu always brings to mind the iconic Bruce Lee, who screening of Ching Siu-tung’s “Duel to the Death”. would have been 75 in 2015 had he still lived. A major exhibition about his life and work is being held at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum until 2018 and is well worth a visit. Tricase, Salento Bruce Lee’s “The Way of the Dragon”, Corey Yuen’s “Righting Wrongs” and Ching Siu-tung’s “Duel to the Death”, were shown at indoor and outdoor screenings at the Palazzo Gallone in Tricase on 4 September as a prelude to the Salento International Film Festival.
Speaking before the screening of “The Way of the Dragon”, the Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Alice From left to right: Miss Drew Lai; Mr Roger Garcia and Mrs Grainne Choi, noted that Salento and Hong Kong already enjoy Humphreys, the Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, at the strong links, since the Hong Kong Salento International opening reception of the “DIFF Pix: Hong Kong kicks”
Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 21 Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Antwerp attracts over 7 000 spectators and participants
The Dragon Boats.
Crowds turned out for the fifth edition of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, one of Antwerp’s biggest summer happenings, on 12 September.
Over 7 000 enthusiastic spectators and participants came to enjoy the carnival and sporting atmosphere around the water at docks Kempischdok-Zuidkaai. HKETO, Brussels was the title sponsor of the event, organised since 2011 by Antwerp Rotary West.
Over 48 teams were in competition. HKETO, Brussels entered two boats, one of which, “Hong Kong’s International Paddlers” made it to the final, thanks to some prior training and a little help from experienced dragon boat paddler KK Li, an attaché from Hong Kong at the World Customs Organisation in Brussels. <-- The Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Alice Choi (second left), gave the countdown to the start of the race, in the company of Alderman of the City of Antwerp Mr Ludo Van Campenhout (second right) and the chairpersons of the regional Antwerp Rotary Clubs.
<-- Hong Kong’s International Paddlers, with a crew of expats and locals, made it into the finals.
22 Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 <-- Mr Leo Van der Heyden of Rotary Club Antwerp-West, the man who makes the annual dragon boat festival happen.
<-- The crew of Hong Kong Dragons, including colleagues of HKETO, Brussels and their family members and friends.
A little girl enjoyed her prize, a Hong Kong Hong Kong Brand prizes could be won by answering simple questions about Brand Dragon kite. Asia’s World City at the Hong Kong booth.
Acting Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the EU, Miss Drew Lai, presented the main award for the fastest team.
Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 23 HKETO, Brussels sponsors Oxfam Trailwalker Belgium
At the opening ceremony, from left: Acting SREU, Miss Drew Lai; Secretary General, Oxfam Solidarity, Mr Stefaan Declercq; First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions, Mr Karl-Heinz Lambertz; Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Brussels, Miss Alice Choi; and President, Oxfam Solidarity, Mr Guido van Hecken.
HKETO, Brussels was the main sponsor of Oxfam Polar Foundation; Ms Catalina Daniëls, the CEO of the Trailwalker Belgium 2015, in which over 200 teams of Special Olympics European Games 2014; and the Chairman four people walked 100 km through one of the most of the Belgium-Hong Kong Society, Mr Piet Steel. beautiful regions of Belgium, the Hautes-Fagnes, in under 30 hours. The event held on the weekend of 29-30 The “Hong Kong Can Do” team, formed by Deputy August raised over EUR 500,000 for good causes. Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Alice Choi, and three friends, successfully completed the arduous 100 Oxfam Trailwalker originated in Hong Kong in 1986 and is km walk. a perfect illustration of the can-do and upbeat spirit of Hong Kong people. It also presented an ideal opportunity More information about Hong Kong’s green areas and hiking trails for the HKETO, Brussels to raise awareness of Hong Kong can be found at: as a green city with 24 country parks and 22 special www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/see-do/great-outdoors/index.jsp areas dedicated to conservation. Those wishing to take part in the 2016 Oxfam Trailwalker in Speaking at the opening ceremony in Eupen on 28 Hong Kong, which will take place in November, can find more August, Acting Special Representative for Hong Kong information at: www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.hk Economic and Trade Affairs to the EU, Miss Drew Lai, said that while one may easily associate Hong Kong with skyscrapers, financial services and fast-paced city life, one may be surprised to learn that it is the birthplace of the Oxfam Trailwalker, which has since been introduced to 16 cities in ten countries.
“Small as we are, over 75% of Hong Kong’s land is countryside,” Miss Lai said.
The guest of honour at the opening ceremony was Mr Karl-Heinz Lambertz, First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions and President of the Parliament of the German-speaking Community in Belgium.
While the main event was underway, a number of VIPs took part in a 10 km, VIP walk to experience the challenge and The “Hong Kong Can Do” international team, with, from left to right: Miss cheer on fellow walkers. They included Mr Alain Hubert, Alice Choi (Hong Kong), Ms Inese Duka (Latvia), Ms Heleen van Geest (the Polar Explorer, Founder and President of the International Netherlands) and Mr Jing Fu (Mainland China).
24 Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 Taking part in the VIP Walk were Polar Explorer, Mr Alain Hubert (standing right of Hong Kong banner); Ms Catalina Daniëls, CEO of the Special Olympics European Games 2014 (standing right); and the Chairman of the Belgium-Hong Kong Society, Mr Piet Steel (standing left of banner). Accompanying them are Miss Drew Lai (kneeling second from right) and Assistant Representative of the HKETO, Brussels, Miss Lily Lee (kneeling second from left).
Participants could write special edition postcards to their friends showing some of the most beautiful scenery of Hong Kong, and pick up information about country parks and hiking in Hong Kong. They could also take part in a photo competition on Facebook to win a dinner in a Chinese restaurant.
Mid-way on the trail, walkers passed through the Hong Kong Checkpoint, where they were offered traditional Hong Kong-style herbal tea and biscuits as refreshments by Mr KK Yeung, Assistant Representative at HKETO, Brussels, and other volunteers.
The Hong Kong Can Do team
--> Miss Drew Lai (in white) with the winning team, CNFC, and Oxfam Solidarity representatives. HKETO, Brussels also awarded a prize to the team that had raised the most money for charity.
Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 25 NEWS IN BRIEF
New Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office to open in Jakarta
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) underline the part Hong Kong can play in the Belt and Government will set up a representative office in Jakarta Road initiative,” Mr Leung said. in 2016. This will be the HKSAR Government’s 12th Economic and Trade Office (ETO) in an overseas city. Moreover, as the ASEAN Secretariat is located in Jakarta, it will greatly facilitate the Government’s follow-up work Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Mr CY Leung, said ASEAN on the Hong Kong-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, which countries, including Indonesia, are major economies will cover trade in goods and services, investment, along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road of the “Belt economic and technical co-operation, and dispute and Road” initiative. “The new ETO in Jakarta will further settlement. The fourth round of negotiations took place enhance our “super-connector” role to bridge trade in July in Singapore and a successful conclusion is and investment flow between China and ASEAN, and anticipated in 2016. Hong Kong business seminars in Athens, Milan and Salento
Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Brussels, Miss Alice the business opportunities in Hong Kong at a business Choi spoke at a workshop on “Business Opportunities event on 4 September. for Greek SMEs in the market of Hong Kong” organised in Thessaloniki in co-operation with the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 22 October. The workshop provided a general introduction on Hong Kong and business opportunities it offers to Greek companies, in particular SMEs, wishing to explore the Mainland Chinese and other Asian Markets. On 24 November, Miss Choi took part in a seminar organised in Milan by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, entitled “Hong Kong: Asia’s Lifestyle Trendsetter and Central Business District”. Miss Choi spoke about the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement concluded between Italy and Hong Kong, and how it would give bilateral business and trade relations a new impulse. Miss Choi also updated senior local government representatives and entrepreneurs from Salento on the latest economic developments and Miss Choi at the workshop in Athens.
For information about business opportunities in Hong Kong, please see: www.investhk.gov.hk www.investhk.gov.hk/community-facts/italy.html (Italy) www.hktdc.com www.hktdc.com/info/ms/it/Italian.htm/ (Italy) Hong Kong ranks first Warner Bros and China globally in economic Media Capital form Hong freedom: Fraser Institute Kong joint venture
The Fraser Institute’s latest report on economic freedom Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung on 20 September released on 14 September once again ranks Hong Kong welcomed the news that Warner Bros Entertainment Inc. No. 1 in the world. Among the five major areas of (Warner) and China Media Capital (CMC) are to form a assessment, Hong Kong continued to rank first in “Size joint venture. The joint venture will be headquartered in of government”, “Freedom to trade internationally” and Hong Kong to develop, produce and distribute films to the “Regulation”. global market.
26 Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 Foundation Real Madrid Clinic provides football and basketball training in Hong Kong
In cooperation with Hong Kong company Dreams held in February 2016. Football is one of the favourite Foundation, Foundation Real Madrid Clinic is providing sports of Hong Kong people. The training provided football and basketball training to 80 coaches and by the Foundation Real Madrid Clinic Hong Kong is a more than 800 young people aged 7-17 selected from valuable opportunity of learning professional skills and Hong Kong schools. Two sessions of five weeks were knowledge from one of the leading sports clubs in the held in August and October 2015, and a third will be world. Economic forecast for 2015 raised to 2.4%
Hong Kong’s economic growth slowed from 2.8% in the to attain a moderate growth of 2.4%, as compared to second quarter to 2.3% year-on-year in real terms in Q3 the earlier forecast of 2-3%. Hong Kong still enjoys a of 2015. Even if external demand should remain weak state of full employment with the seasonally adjusted in Q4, the real GDP for 2015 as a whole is still expected unemployment rate staying at a low level of 3.3% in Q3. Thousands of enthusiasts take part in Hong Kong’s first Cyclothon
Over 3 000 enthusiasts took part in Hong Kong’s first-ever HKTB hopes to make the Cyclothon an annual event, Cyclothon organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board which may in time be expanded to include Macao and (HKTB) on 10-11 October. There were nine categories of other locations in southern China. events for amateurs and professionals, and men and women of all ages.
The two-day event attracted some 47 000 spectators and competitive cyclists from 17 countries and regions, including big names such as Australia’s Glenn O’Shea and France’s Rémi Di Gregorio. Three-time Olympic medalist and double Track World Champion Rob Hayles served as event commentator. The two-day Cyclothon started on the evening of 10 October as professional riders embarked on night races through the streets of Kowloon. Casual races began the next morning. Hong Kong films at Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival
HKETO, Brussels supported the screening of five Hong Kong films at the Sitges - International Fantastic Film Festival, held on 9-18 October. The films were “The Taking of Tiger Mountain,” by Tsui Hark, “SPL II – A Time for Consequences”, by Soi Cheang, “Two Thumbs Up” by Lau Ho-leung, “Port of Call” by Philip Yung, and “Helios” by Longman Leung and Sunny Luk.
From left: Assistant Representative of the HKETO, Brussels, Mr KK Yeung; actor Simon Yam; Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Brussels, Miss Drew Lai and the Deputy Director of Sitges - International Fantastic Film Festival, Mr Mike Hostench, at the opening reception of the Hong Kong film programme on 11 October.
Hong Kong News Winter 2015 - 2016 27 Ms Shirley Lam, new head of HKETO, Brussels
Ms Shirley Lam returned to Brussels on 5 former Transport Branch; the former City and October 2015 to assume the post of Special New Territories Administration; the former Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Regional Services Department; the former Trade Affairs to the European Union (SREU), Planning, Environment and Lands Branch; head of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade the former Transport Bureau; the Financial Office. Services and the Treasury Bureau; the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels; This is Ms Lam’s second posting to Brussels, and the Food and Health Bureau. She was where she served from August 2004 to March Deputy Secretary for the Civil Service from 2009 as Deputy Representative. October 2010 to May 2013 and had been serving as Deputy Director of Marine (Special The career of Ms Lam has spanned a wide range Duties) since May 2013 before returning to of bureaux and departments that include the Brussels. 43rd Angoulême Festival to pay tribute to Hong Kong comics artist Li Chi Tak
Hong Kong comics artist Li Chi Tak will be given a solo exhibition at the 43rd Festival International de la Bande Dessinée in Angoulême on 28-31 January 2016. France’s international comics festival is the biggest of its kind in Europe. The exhibition will pay tribute to the artist’s career, showing over 80 works dating from the 1980s to the present day. Mr Li will also meet with the public to talk about his work.
To coincide with the Festival, editor Kana will publish a translation of The Beast, drawn by Li Chi Tak to a scenario by Jean Dufaux. Li’s work has been available in French since Spirit was published by Dargaud in 1998. © Li Chi Tak - Jean Dufaux - Kana (Dargaud-Lombard s.a.) For more information, please see: www.bdangouleme.com/863,li-chi-tak-un-sorcier-a-hong-kong
News Winter 2015 - 2016
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Editor: Linda Sansbury Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office 118 rue d’Arlon, 1040 Brussels T. +32 2 775 00 88 e-mail: [email protected] Design & Layout: www.webc.be