News Winter 2016 - 2017

Issued by the Economic and Trade Office, Brussels

Financial Secretary leads business delegation to Kazakhstan to explore Belt and Road opportunities. The Chief Executive, Mr CY Leung, meets with (Page 5) Prime Minister Manuel Valls in France. (Page 2)

Opening of M+ Pavilion, the first completed venue of Hong Kong’s ambitious West Kowloon Cultural District. (Page 20) Chief Executive’s visit to France boosts aviation, innovation, technology and academic exchanges

The Chief Executive with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, Jean-Marc Ayrault.

The Chief Executive (left) meets with Prime Minister Manuel Valls.

--> At the Regional Council in Toulouse, from left: Mr Nicholas Yang, Mrs Carole Delga, Mr CY Leung, Prof. Anthony Cheung, and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Mr Edward Yau.

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Mr CY Leung, paid an Toulouse official visit to France on 7-10 June. Aviation, innovation, technology, and academic exchanges were the main With the expansion of Hong Kong International Airport themes of the visit. Mr Leung was accompanied by (HKIA) into a three-runway system now underway, Mr Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Leung saw potential synergy in view of Toulouse’s rich Cheung Bing-leung and Secretary for Innovation and experience in aerospace and aviation industries. Technology, Mr Nicholas Yang. He met the President of Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi- Mr Leung was also accompanied by 19 Hong Kong Pyrénées Region (renamed Occitanie since September), university student engineers studying aerospace, Mrs Carole Delga, to learn about the city’s latest mechanical engineering, electronic and communication developments in aviation, engineering, and innovation engineering. and technology (I&T).

In Toulouse and Paris, the Chief Executive met with senior He addressed a business luncheon hosted by the Regional government officials, French businessmen and Hong Council to introduce Hong Kong as an international and Kong communities. He visited leading manufacturing regional hub in aviation and logistics. He shared with and training facilities relating to civil aviation, and guests Hong Kong’s latest developments in enhancing university and research institutes involved in advanced transport connectivity and services, including large- technology. scale infrastructure projects in the pipeline and the

2 Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 development of high value-added services. He also Winter 2016 - 2017 highlighted Hong Kong’s efforts in promoting I&T, and Contents welcomed further co-operation between Hong Kong and France in this regard.

Aside from hardware, Hong Kong is establishing a civil aviation academy to train aviation practitioners. After the luncheon the delegation visited the National School of Civil cover Aviation ENAC to see how Europe’s largest aeronautical Chief Executive’s visit to France boosts aviation, innovation, technology and university nurtures tomorrow’s industry talents. academic exchanges 2 Financial Secretary promotes Belt and Road opportunities in Kazakhstan 5 Opening of M+, first venue of Hong Kong’s visionary art hub 20 Hong Kong and Europe (1) Financial Secretary’s promotes Hong Kong in the Netherlands 6 Hong Kong Town Planning Board visits the Netherlands 6 Secretary for Transport’s visit to Greece, France and Spain 7 Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development’s visit to Spain 8 Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development’s visit to Ireland 9 Hong Kong and the EU hold annual meeting 9 Hong Kong ideal place to pursue further studies or career development 10 Innovation and Technology Bionic woman wins silver at first Cybathlon 10 PolyU’s railway monitoring technology in world first 11 Mr CY Leung (first right), Prof. Anthony Cheung (second right) and student Developments in Hong Kong delegates visit the Human Machine Interface laboratory at the National School Development of fintech “a major priority” for the Government 11 of Civil Aviation (ENAC) in Toulouse. Construction of Hong Kong Airport’s three-runway system begins 12 International recognition of Hong Kong’s favourable business environment 12 The delegation also visited Airbus, which provides almost Number of start-ups surges 24% 14 60% of the aircraft operated by five Hong Kong airlines. Hong Kong commended on anti-corruption efforts 14 Mr Leung said he looked forward to more collaboration Hong Kong Disneyland to include “Frozen” and “Marvel Super Heroes” 15 on air services between Hong Kong and Airbus. Cathay Belt and Road News Pacific Airways had recently received its first A350 aircraft Hong Kong’s super-connector role promoted in Bulgaria, the Netherlands and Italy 16 from Airbus and 47 more were to come to join its fleet. Chief Executive chairs Belt and Road steering committee 16 Yvonne Choi appointed Commissioner for Belt and Road 16 HKMA launches Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office (IFFO) 17 Wine Hong Kong promotes its position as Asia’s wine hub at Bordeaux Wine Festival 18 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 19 Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 19 ProWine to be held in Hong Kong in May 2017 19 Art, Culture, Festivals (1) Opening of M+, first venue of Hong Kong’s visionary art hub 20 Shifting Objectives showcases works from the M+ Design Collection 21 Jackie Chan receives honorary Oscar 21 Hong Kong and Europe (2) During a visit to Airbus in Toulouse, Mr CY Leung exchanges views with the Senior SEU Academic Programme 2016-2017: sharing good practices in urban Vice-President, Head of A350 XWB Programme of Airbus, Mr Patrick Piedrafita. development 22 Hong Kong and EU students in joint e-Learning sustainability project 22 Mr Leung visited Oncopole, a leading cancer research Art, Culture, Festivals (2) facility with 2 500 professionals from the academic, Talented Hong Kong musicians perform in Italy and Portugal 23 scientific, medical, technological, clinical and Hong Kong-Brussels performing and comics artists’ exchange 24 pharmaceutical sectors. Mr Leung said that the visit had Hong Kong films brought to audiences in Italy, Greece, Spain and France 24 provided valuable insights on the prevention and control Dragon Boat Festivals attract crowds in Antwerp and Dublin 26 of cancer. Back Cover Launch of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect 28 Before departing for Paris, Mr Leung toured Toulouse Airport. He was impressed with the airport’s new initiatives to enhance its infrastructure. -->

Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 3 Paris

In Paris, Mr Leung met with France’s Prime Minister, During a visit to Usine IO, an incubator for hardware Mr Manuel Valls. The two leaders discussed the strong prototyping, Mr Leung encouraged more French bilateral relationship between France and Hong Kong. companies to ride on Hong Kong’s fast-growing start-up Introducing Hong Kong’s combined advantages under ecosystem to launch their I&T businesses. “one country” and “two systems”, Mr Leung said that Hong Kong was a “super-connector” between China and the rest of the world. He looked forward to expanding ties with the French Government in various areas.

Mr Leung also attended a luncheon hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, Mr Jean-Marc Ayrault. Mr Leung said he was pleased to see a growing French presence in Hong Kong, and looked forward to enhancing co-operation on various fronts, including I&T, transportation, trade, professional services, education and culture.

Mr CY Leung (first right) controls a drone at CentraleSupélec, a training and research centre in engineering sciences in the Paris-Saclay technology cluster.

The Chief Executive delivered a speech at a luncheon with French businessmen hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Noting that Hong Kong was recently ranked the world’s most competitive economy, Mr Leung highlighted the city’s advantages, including free trade, the rule of law, a common use of English, an open and international society, as well as close connection The Chief Executive (first right) and the delegation visit the particle accelerator to the Mainland of China. He also outlined Hong Kong’s Synchrotron SOLEIL at the Plateau de Saclay. latest efforts in promoting I&T, and encouraged French enterprises to look to Hong Kong for business and Mr Leung went to the Plateau de Saclay to visit collaboration opportunities. CentraleSupélec, a key training and research centre in engineering sciences in the Paris-Saclay technology cluster. CentraleSupélec has already established academic and scientific research co-operation with Hong Kong universities.

Mr CY Leung speaks at a luncheon hosted by HKETO, Brussels and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in Paris.

Mr Leung also met with the France-China Friendship In the front row, Mr CY Leung (third left), Mr Nicholas Yang (second left), the Group of the National Assembly, chaired by Mr Bruno Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the EU, Ms Leroux, before ending his visit to Paris with a reception Shirley Lam (first left) and student delegates are shown around Usine IO by Mr for Hong Kong people living in France to learn more Benjamin Carlu (fourth left). about their work and life.

4 Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 At the reception, Mr CY Leung (right) chats with Mr Lam Chun-wing from Hong The Chief Executive attends a reception for Hong Kong people living in France. Kong, the first Chinese ballet dancer admitted to the Paris Opera Ballet.

Financial Secretary leads business delegation to Kazakstan to explore Belt & Road opportunities

Mr Tsang explained to Kazakh businessmen how Hong Kong can help them seize the opportunities that will arise from the Belt and Road Initiative.

Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, Mr John Tsang, led a infrastructure and professional services in entering the delegation of 30 senior business people to Kazakhstan on Mainland and global markets. He said the Infrastructure 13-17 September to strengthen Hong Kong’s business and Financing Facilitation Office (IFFO) (see page 17) provides economic ties with the country and explore opportunities a unique channel to promote Kazakhstan’s infrastructure arising from China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It was the development and can help its projects attract foreign first business delegation to Kazakhstan ever organised by investment and financing. the HKSAR. Noting that Kazakhstan has served for centuries as the Mr Tsang met with Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Erlan original Silk Road’s East-West bridge, he said that just like Idrissov, Investment and Development Minister Mr Zhenis the ancient Silk Roads which contributed significantly to Kassymbek, Finance Minister Mr Bakhyt Sultanov and the development of many of the world’s great civilisations, Astana International Financial Centre Governor, Mr Kairat the Belt and Road initiative will become the driving force Kelimbetov. They discussed the wealth of opportunities of the global economy in the 21st century. emerging from the Belt and Road Initiative and agreed to strengthen bilateral ties. Mr Tsang also witnessed the “The Belt and Road corridors encompass some 65 countries signing of a memorandum of understanding between the across three continents, accounting for one-third of global Astana International Financial Centre and the Hong Kong GDP and one-third of the world’s merchandise trade. It Trade Development Council as well as the Hong Kong has been designed to promote infrastructural connectivity Securities Association. and, in doing so, boost trade and investment, deepen policy coordination and create stronger people-to-people At a HKTDC business luncheon, Mr Tsang said that with its bonds among participating countries. vast land area and strategic connectivity between Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan will become an important trade and “In short, the Belt and Road will generate demand and logistics hub along the Belt and Road. Kazakh investors and expand international trade and investment flow, as well businesses can make good use of Hong Kong’s advanced as two-way traffic in and out of China.”

Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 5 Financial Secretary promotes Hong Kong in the Netherlands

During his visit, Mr Tsang also attended a reception with members of the Hong Kong community. He updated them on the latest developments in Hong Kong and invited the second generation of Hong Kong residents living in the Netherlands to return to Hong Kong for further business or career development.

The Financial Secretary, Mr John Tsang met with the Treasurer-General of the Ministry of Finance of the Netherlands, Mr Hans Vijlbrief.

Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, Mr John Tsang, visited The Hague on 16-17 October 2016. Mr Tsang (fifth right), accompanied by Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Brussels, Mr Tsang met with the Treasurer-General of the Ministry Miss Alice Choi (far right) and Senior Investment Promotion Executive, InvestHK, Ms of Finance of the Netherlands, Mr Hans Vijlbrief, for an Paula Kant (second left), met with a group of Dutch business personalities. exchange of views on the global economic outlook and issues of mutual interest. Both sides looked forward to strengthening trade and investment ties between Hong Kong and the Netherlands.

At a meeting with the Chairman of the Netherlands Hong Kong Society, Mr Hans Poulis, and a group of Dutch business personalities, Mr Tsang highlighted Hong Kong’s favourable business environment. He said Dutch businesses can partner with companies in Hong Kong in seizing the massive economic opportunities of the Mainland of China, as well as the enormous potential of Mr Tsang discusses career opportunities with members of the Hong Kong the grand and visionary Belt and Road Initiative. community in the Netherlands. Hong Kong Town Planning Board visits the Netherlands

A delegation of the Hong Kong Town Planning Board, led by its Chairman, Permanent Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands), Mr Michael Wong, visited the Netherlands on 4-7 September. In The Hague, the delegation met with officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment. In Amsterdam, the delegation met with planning and heritage officials of the Municipal Government, and visited the Zuidas development project. In Ijburg, it was briefed on the development of Ijburg Artificial Islands. The group also paid a visit to the Market Hall project in Rotterdam.

The delegation is briefed by Dr Aart Oxenaar, Director Monuments and Archeology City of Amsterdam.

6 Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 Secretary for Transport promotes Hong Kong as a transport hub during visit to Greece, France and Spain

The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor On 7 June Professor Cheung headed to France to Anthony Cheung Bing-leung visited Greece, France and accompany the Chief Executive, Mr CY Leung, on his Spain on 4-10 June. visit to Toulouse and Paris (see pages 2-5). Professor Cheung made use of his stay in Paris to call on the Posidonia 2016, Athens French Minister of State for Transport, Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Mr Alain Vidalies on 8 June. He also visited Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and met with its Director, Mr Franck Goldnadel.

Greece’s Prime Minister, Mr Alexis Tsipras (right) and Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Mr Thodoris Dritsas (centre) in an exchange with Professor Cheung (left) at the Hong Kong Pavilion.

As Chairman of the newly established Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board, Professor Cheung led a delegation of the Board to promote Hong Kong’s maritime services in Greece. He delivered a keynote speech at a business luncheon seminar in Athens on 6 June. In the evening, Professor Cheung and the delegation attended the opening ceremony of international shipping exhibition In Paris, Professor Cheung met with the French Minister of State for Transport, Posidonia 2016, where Professor Cheung officiated at Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Mr Alain Vidalies. the opening of the Hong Kong Pavilion. Greece’s Prime Minister, Mr Alexis Tsipras and Minister of Maritime Professor Cheung then flew to Spain on 9 June to Affairs and Insular Policy, Mr Thodoris Dritsas had an officiate at a celebration markingCathay Pacific Airways’ exchange with Professor Cheung at the Pavilion. inaugural flight to Madrid.

Professor Cheung and the delegation at the Hong Kong Pavilion at Posidonia In Madrid, Professor Cheung (fourth right), accompanied by the Chief 2016 in Athens. With them is Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Executive of Cathay Pacific Airways, Mr Ivan Chu (fourth left), officiated at a Alice Choi (front, far left). celebration marking the company’s inaugural flight to Madrid.

Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 7 Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development visits Madrid

Mr So (first right) with the High Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Carlos Espinosa de los Monteros (first left).

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic well as on the leading edge in key areas of the city’s Development, Mr Gregory So, visited Madrid on 7 creative industries. Mr So also took the opportunity to September to promote bilateral relations between Hong visit Madrid Contemporary Arts Centre, which supports Kong and Spain. the creativity of artists and designers in Madrid.

Mr So met with High Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Carlos Espinosa de los Monteros, to exchange views on promoting co- operation between Hong Kong and Spain. Mr So also met with the Secretary of State for Commerce of the Ministry of Economy and Competition, Mr Jaime Garcia-Legaz, to discuss bilateral trade and economic issues.

Mr So (centre) speaking at a CEOE breakfast meeting. Next to him is the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the EU, Ms Shirley Lam.

Speaking at a breakfast meeting of Spanish business association CEOE, Mr So said that the “one country, two systems” formula had made Hong Kong the “super- connector” between China and the world. He invited more Spanish companies to come to Hong Kong and make full use of its advantages in tapping the massive Belt and Road markets. Mr So with the Secretary of State for Commerce of the Ministry of Economy and Competition, Mr Jaime Garcia-Legaz. Mr So also visited Google Campus Madrid, and met with the senior management of a Spanish start-up which At a meeting with the Director General of Innovation and has established an office in Hong Kong, to learn more Promotion of the City of Madrid, Mr Roberto Sánchez about the start-up scene in Spain. He also met with the Sánchez, Mr So updated him on the development Director General of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, opportunities of Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem, as Ms Inmaculada Riera.

8 Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development meets Irish ministers in Dublin to deepen bilateral ties

At a meeting with Minister of State for Financial Services, Mr Eoghan Murphy, Mr So said he looked forward to building closer ties with Ireland in the financial services sector and beyond. Mr So was pleased that Mr Murphy would attend the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) in Hong Kong on 16-17 January 2017.

Mr So also joined a lunch meeting with the Hong Kong community in Dublin and briefed members of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce on the opportunities offered by Hong Kong to Irish businesses.

Mr So meets with Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms Mary Mitchell O’Connor.

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So visited Dublin on 6-7 December to deepen bilateral ties between Hong Kong and Ireland.

Mr So updated Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms Mary Mitchell O’Connor, on Hong Kong’s vibrant business environment. He also outlined the role of Hong Kong under the Belt and Road Initiative. Mr So (right), meets with Minister of State for Financial Services, Mr Eoghan Murphy.

Hong Kong and the EU hold annual meeting

Hong Kong and the European Union held their 10th annual the momentum. In relation to customs co-operation, the Structured Dialogue meeting in Brussels on 17 November, parties agreed the next stages in the negotiating process during which they discussed a wide range of subjects, for the Mutual Recognition Agreement of Authorised reviewed recent collaborative successes and identified Economic Operators. areas for further co-operation. They exchanged views on the Hong Kong government’s The meeting was chaired by Hong Kong’s Deputy procurement system and on key areas such as the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development actions taken by both sides to tackle climate change (Commerce and Industry), Ms Vivian Sum and European after the Paris climate summit. They also decided to co- External Action Service Managing Director for Asia and ordinate efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. the Pacific, MrG unnar Wiegand. The EU and the HKSARG expressed their willingness to The two sides reached an understanding on measures to increase people-to-people contacts, notably in the areas facilitate the export of meat and meat products from the of academic co-operation, student mobility, culture and EU, which will be implemented soon. creative industries.

Both parties welcomed the positive results of the pilot The EU remains Hong Kong’s second largest trading project on co-operation in customs enforcement of partner, with bilateral trade in goods and services intellectual property rights between the EU and Hong amounting to EUR 72 billion (HK$619 billion) in 2015. Kong. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitments Moreover, the EU is the third largest source of foreign against counterfeiting under the EU-Hong Kong Action direct investment (FDI) in Hong Kong, while Hong Kong Plan and agreed to continue working closely to sustain is one of the top 10 investors in the EU.

Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 9 Hong Kong is ideal place for pursuing further studies or career development

On 5-9 November, representatives of the HKETO, Brussels teamed up with three officers from the Immigration Department to brief students and members of the Hong Kong community in The Hague, Amsterdam, Delft and Paris on Hong Kong’s various talent admission schemes, including the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme and the Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents.

In The Hague on 5 November and in Amsterdam on 7 November, most of the participants were Hong Kong community members and the representatives from the Immigration Department gave an in-depth explanation Deputy Representative Miss Alice Choi (centre) with College of Europe students on the special scheme for the second generation of Hong during their visit to HKETO, Brussels. Kong migrants.

As part of its ongoing efforts to attract overseas talents On 7 November, a luncheon lecture was organised in to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, collaboration with the Delft University of Technology (TU Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) reached out to students Delft)’s Honours Programme. Some students indicated and Hong Kong community members in Belgium, the that they will organise a study trip to Hong Kong in 2017. Netherlands and France in November to promote Hong Kong as an ideal place for pursuing further studies or In Paris, a similar seminar was held for around 50 career development. members of the Hong Kong community on 8 November. On 9 November, the immigration officers gave a talk at A group of students from the College of Europe in Bruges the Ecole Polytechnique of Université Paris-Saclay, where visited the HKETO, Brussels on 2 November, where they students had expressed interest in career, research and were briefed on further study and work opportunities in internships opportunities in Hong Kong. Another talk was Hong Kong by Deputy Representative, Miss Alice Choi. held with students of the Université Pierre et Marie Curie.

Innovation and Technology Bionic woman wins silver at first Cybathlon

In all, 66 teams with over 70 disabled athletes from 25 countries participated in the world’s first Olympics for Bionic Athletes. The competition allows robotic prostheses, brain-computer interfaces and powered exoskeletons, and provides a platform for the development of novel assistive technologies that are useful for daily life.

The wheelchair was piloted by Ms Carol Ng of the Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth. She finished the race – comprising six obstacles such as stair climbing and crossing uneven surfaces – in three minutes, 39 seconds, just five seconds behind the champion. Ms Carol Ng won silver at the the world’s first Olympics for Bionic Athletes. The cheap, safe and effective wheelchair, equipped with a A disabled Hong Kong athlete, driving a powered durable belt system capable of mounting various kinds of wheelchair developed by the Hong Kong University surfaces, was developed in eight months by a team at HKUST’s of Science and Technology (HKUST), won silver at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. inaugural Cybathlon held in Zurich on 8 October.

10 Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 Development of Fintech “a major priority”

Mr Tsang (fourth left) with Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of HSBC, Mr Peter Wong (fourth right); Chairman of ASTRI, Mr Wong Ming-yam (second left); Senior Executive Director of the HKMA, Mr Howard Lee (third right); Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Ms Annie Choi (third left); and other guests at the ceremony.

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Wearable IoT World Labs from San Francisco, launched and the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology earlier this year. In recent months, Hong Kong had also Research Institute (ASTRI) launched a research and welcomed two of the world’s leading institutions: the development innovation laboratory on 31 October, as renowned MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), part of a series of initiatives to boost the development which opened its first overseas Innovation Node in of financial technology (Fintech) in the city. the city, and Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet, a medical university which established its first overseas research The aim of the collaboration is to develop solutions to base at the Hong Kong Science Park. problems that affect the bank and its customers. These include the development of advanced authentication In September, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) technologies, cyber security protection and behavioural launched a Fintech “supervisory sandbox” which would biometrics using artificial intelligence technologies. enable banks to test innovations without obtaining full regulatory approval. Some of the new laboratory’s Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hong Kong’s innovations could be tested in the sandbox. Financial Secretary, Mr John Tsang, said that Fintech was one of the government’s major priorities. He “I am certain that we shall be seeing more and more noted that the city now has 12 fintech innovation labs, pioneering Fintech applications coming out in the including Australia’s Commonwealth Bank and the market soon,” Mr Tsang said.

Innovation and Technology PolyU’s railway monitoring technology in world first

Developed by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the optical fibre sensing technology for monitoring railways has been adopted in two metro lines in Singapore.

PolyU is the first in the world to use optical fibre sensors in in-service trains for continuous monitoring of the tracks.

--> The new system provides continuous, in-service monitoring of tracks while the prevailing regular checks on tracks are done after close of traffic.

Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 11 Construction of Hong Kong airport’s three-runway system begins Scale of works is like building a whole new airport

economic development of Hong Kong. The three-runway system will be able to handle an additional 30 million passengers annually, equipping HKIA with the capacity to handle around 100 million passengers and nine million tonnes of cargo annually by 2030 and meet Hong Kong’s long-term air traffic demand.

The scale of the works, which will take eight years to complete, is similar to that of the construction of a new airport. The new runway will be connected by an automated people mover to an expanded Terminal 2 with new departure and arrival facilities, a new high-speed baggage handling system, and expanded road and transportation networks. The runway will be commissioned in 2022 and related construction works will be completed in 2024.

The construction requires the reclamation of approximately Pictured at the launch of the three-runway construction (from left to right) 650 hectares of land, which will be completed in phases are Mr Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer of the AA; Professor Anthony Cheung, for the subsequent works such as the new runway, Secretary for Transport and Housing; Mr Jack So Chak-kwong, Chairman of AA; taxiway system and a third runway passenger building and Professor KC Chan, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury. with 57 parking positions. To protect the environment, non-dredge methods including deep cement mixing will Hong Kong Airport Authority (AA) launched the construction be adopted for land formation, while the buildings will of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)’s three-runway incorporate a range of green and sustainable features in system on 1 August, signing four contracts for reclamation- their design, construction and operational aspects. related works with contractors. The Government had given the project the green light on 29 April. Mr Jack So, Chairman of the AA, said some 139 000 man- years of construction jobs were expected to be created The award-winning HKIA is the world’s third busiest during the construction phase, with some 123 000 direct international passenger airport and the airport with the jobs created upon the commencement of the runway’s largest cargo throughput. The airport’s existing two- operation. runway system will soon reach full capacity and the expansion is urgently needed to support the long-term More information at www.threerunwaysystem.com/en

International recognition for Hong Kong’s favourable business environment

Hong Kong is the world’s freest and most competitive Hong Kong has continued to hold high rankings in “size economy, and one of the easiest places in the world of government” (first), “regulation” (first) and “freedom to do business, according to reports issued by leading to trade internationally” (second) in the latest report. research institutes and the World Bank. “Most Competitive Economy” “World’s Freest Economy” Hong Kong was again ranked the world’s most Canada’s Fraser Institute once again ranked Hong Kong competitive economy, moving up from second place as the world’s freest economy in its “Economic Freedom in 2015, according to the “International Institute for of the World: 2016 Annual Report”, released on 15 Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness September. Among the five broad areas of assessment, Yearbook 2016”, released on 30 May. Hong Kong was

12 Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 Hong Kong’s Central business district. ranked first among the 61 economies assessed, followed freedom of movement and women’s rights. Switzerland by Switzerland, the US and Singapore. The IMD also came second, followed by New Zealand, Ireland and recognised Hong Kong for its consistent commitment Denmark in the Top 5 of the 159 economies surveyed. to providing a favourable business environment, encouragement of innovation through low and simple Hong Kong topped the economic freedom category, taxation, free flow of capital, and role as a gateway which ranked such aspects as size of government, legal between the Mainland and the global capital markets. and property rights, sound money, freedom to trade internationally and regulation. “4th Easiest Place to do Business” among 190 economies Hong Kong enters “Top 10” in World The “World Bank’s Doing Business 2017” report issued in Talent ranking October ranks Hong Kong as the world’s N°4 easiest place to do business, up one place from N°5 last year, after New Hong Kong has entered the Top 10 in the latest Zealand, Singapore and Denmark. The report compares Institute for Management Development (IMD) World the ease of doing business in 190 economies across 10 Talent Report. Hong Kong was the only Asian economy indicators. The score for Hong Kong has risen from 83.67 in the Top 10, jumping two places from 2015. All the in 2015 to 84.21 in 2016, indicating improvement in Hong other Top 10 economies were from Europe - with Kong’s overall business environment. The World Bank Switzerland ranking N°1, followed by Denmark, commends Hong Kong for the successful implementation Belgium, Sweden, The Netherlands, Finland, Norway, of reform measures to make doing business easier. Austria and Luxembourg.

“World’s Freest Jurisdiction” IMD defined talent competitiveness as “the extent to which an economy strikes a balance between hard Hong Kong was once again ranked the freest jurisdiction and soft talent components, which enables it to in the world in The Human Freedom Index 2016 study achieve long-term value creation”. published on 29 November by the Fraser Institute of Canada, the Cato Institute of the US and the Liberales Hong Kong ranked very highly in the categories of Institut of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for personal security and private property rights, attracting Freedom, Germany. The Index measures such factors and retaining talent, financial skills, international as civil liberties, economic freedom, the rule of law, experience and competence of managers. https://www.fraserinstitute.org/studies/economic-freedom-of-the-world-2016-annual-report http://www.imd.org/wcc/news-wcy-ranking/ http://www.doingbusiness.org/reports/global-reports/doing-business-2017 https://www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/human-freedom-index-2016.pdf http://www.imd.org/uupload/IMD.WebSite/Wcc/NewTalentReport/Talent_2016_web.pdf

Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 13 Number of start-ups surges 24% in Hong Kong’s favourable ecosystem

Mr Gregory So (sixth right) with Mr Charles Ng (fifth right) and members of the start-up community in Hong Kong.

The number of start-up companies in Hong Kong in 2016 portfolio management, payment, wealth management, surged by 24% compared to 2015, according to the latest lending and crowd funding, cybersecurity and anti-fraud survey carried out by InvestHK. There are 1 926 start-ups services, crypto-currency and blockchain, insurance, and engaged in various tech sectors and operating at different currency, remittance and foreign exchange. co-work space, incubator or accelerator locations across Hong Kong. France among top four

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, The survey results also indicate that there were at least Mr Gregory So, announced the results on 1 November at 2 039 entrepreneurs involved in the 1 926 start-ups. a launch reception for the start-up community to unveil About 65% of these people came from Hong Kong (locals InvestHK’s 2017 StartmeupHK Festival. or returnees). Of the approximately 600 non-Hong Kong founders with origins indicated, the top four origins The companies were engaged in different businesses were from the US (20.7%), the UK (13%), Mainland China including information, computer and technology; (11.3%) and France (10.3 %). Among the Europeans there e-commerce, supply chain management and logistics were also entrepreneurs from Germany, the Netherlands technology; professional or consultancy services; and Italy. design; and Fintech. Among the Fintech start-ups, engaged subsectors included financial software and For more information about the 2017 StartmeupHK Festival (16-20 January services, algorithmic trading and algorithm-based 2017) and other relevant events, please see www.startmeup.hk

Hong Kong commended on anti-corruption efforts Hong Kong remains one of the least corrupt places in Transparency International the world, according to the findings of Transparency International (TI), the global civil society organisation Hong Kong is performing well in the fight against corruption leading the fight against corruption, and the S U -based and its anti-corruption body, the Independent Commission World Justice Project. Against Corruption (ICAC) is an example for the world, the Chair of TI, Mr José Carlos Ugaz, has said.

14 Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 “When the ICAC was built in this city and started achieving all the successes… immediately it came to be a model to be exported. And one of the ways many countries have found is to replicate what Hong Kong did 40 years ago,” he added.

Since the TI launched its annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) in 1995, Hong Kong has remained one of the cleanest places in the world, ranking in the top 20 among countries and territories surveyed.

In the CPI 2015 released in 2016, Hong Kong was ranked the 18th least corrupt place among 168 countries and territories.

“Being in a position where Hong Kong is 75 points, I think Hong Kong’s ICAC has often been cited as an example of best practice in it’s a good position. [The city] has an environment with combating corruption. low corruption... If you look at our index, Hong Kong is performing quite well,” Mr Ugaz said. Upon the invitation of the ICAC, Mr Ugaz paid a two-day visit to Hong Kong in October 2016 for the first time, to World Justice Project learn first-hand about the anti-corruption work of the city. Meanwhile, the US-based World Justice Project released Sharing his views on Hong Kong’s anti-corruption work its Rule of Law Index 2016 in late October 2016. Hong Kong with the media, Mr Ugaz said he believed that the ICAC is was ranked eighth in the factor of “absence of corruption” one of the strong allies in the fight against corruption. He among 113 countries and territories, two places higher was particularly impressed with its holistic three-pronged than the previous year. strategy in fighting corruption through investigation, prevention and education. ICAC Commissioner Mr Simon Peh Yun-lu said he was pleased to note that Hong Kong’s ranking in “absence of “The ICAC has been a key player in substantially reducing corruption” had improved from 10th in 2015 to 8th in 2016, corruption in Hong Kong… it sets an example for the world notwithstanding the increase in number of territories on how to deal with such a problem,” Mr Ugaz said. covered in the index from 102 to 113.

Hong Kong Disneyland to expand to include “Frozen” and “Marvel Super Heroes”

The Hong Kong SAR Government reached an agreement with The Walt Disney Company on 22 November for a large- scale and progressive expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland from 2018 until 2023.

New attractions will be launched almost every year during that period and it will be the first Disney theme park in the world to feature both “Frozen” and “Marvel Super Heroes” immersive themed areas. The total number of attractions will increase from about 110 to over 130.

The two shareholders, namely the Government (53%) and Disney (47%), will in total inject HK$10.9 billion (EUR 1.32 billion) into Hong Kong International Theme Parks Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So (second Ltd, as new capital necessary for the expansion and right); the Commissioner for Tourism, Miss Cathy Chu (first right); the development. Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Mr Samuel Lau (second left); and the Executive Creative Director and Hong Kong Disneyland received over 58 million visitors in Producer of Walt Disney Imagineering, Asia, Ms Doris Hardoon Woodward the first ten years since its opening in 2005. (first left) are pictured with Mickey and Minnie.

Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 15 Belt and Road Initiative HKETO, Brussels promotes Hong Kong’s super- connector role in Bulgaria, the Netherlands and Italy

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) organised or supported seminars to inform business communities in Sofia (3 June), Rotterdam (4 July), Tricase in Salento (8 September), Trieste (23 November) and Amsterdam (14 December) of Hong Kong’s business advantages and its role as a super-connector between Europe and Asia. The seminars focused on the three-fold role Hong Kong can play in one of the most exciting projects in recent years, China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

• Firstly, Hong Kong as an international financial centre, international risk and asset management centre as well as the largest offshore RMB centre, can act as a capital formation and financing platform. A VIP dinner was held at the Maritime Museum after the seminar in Rotterdam • Secondly, Hong Kong can act as a trade and to celebrate the 19th year of the Establishment of the Hong Kong SAR. logistics platform and provide support services such as project feasibility studies, risk assessment, research and development, as well as financing and management.

• Last but not least, Hong Kong can act as a platform for professional services. Its professional services such as accounting, legal, environmental consulting and project management meet international standards. Hong Kong also provides world-class legal and dispute resolution services.

For more information, please see the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Belt and Road Portal: http://beltandroad.hktdc.com/en/index.aspx Map showing the Belt and Road.

Chief Executive to chair Belt Yvonne Choi appointed and Road steering committee Commissioner for Belt and Road

The Chief Executive, Mr CY Leung, will chair an inter- The Belt and Road Office departmental steering committee which will formulate is headed by Miss Yvonne strategies and policies for Hong Kong’s participation in Choi Ying-pik, who has been the Belt and Road Initiative. appointed Commissioner for Belt and Road with effect A Belt and Road Office has been established to take from 1 August 2016 until 30 forward related studies and co-ordinate work among June 2017. Miss Choi was government departments and other organisations, Permanent Secretary for such as the Trade Development Council and the Commerce and Economic Tourism Board. The office will also liaise with the central Development before her ministries, provincial and municipal authorities, as well retirement in 2012 after 37 as various sectors, professional bodies and community years of service with the organisations in Hong Kong. Government.

16 Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 HKMA launches Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office (IFFO)

Infrastructure Investment Bank, Mr Philippe Le Houérou, Executive Vice President and CEO of International Finance Corporation and Dr Victor Fung, Chairman of Fung Group and Advisor of IFFO. Agreements signed with IFC and GI Hub

At the launch of IFFO (from left to right), Financial Secretary John Tsang, guest of honour Mr Chen Yuan, and HKMA Chief Executive Norman Chan.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) launched the Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office (IFFO) on 4 July to promote the development of Hong Kong as an infrastructure financing hub. Mr Norman Chan, Chief Executive of the HKMA and Mr Philippe Le Houérou, Executive Vice President and CEO of IFC, after the signing of the The IFFO, led by Director Mr Eddie Yue, Deputy Chief Memorandum of Understanding. Executive of the HKMA, will provide a platform for information exchange and experience sharing among Shortly before the launch ceremony of the IFFO, HKMA key stakeholders, build capacity and knowledge on signed memoranda of understanding establishing a infrastructure investments and financing, promote market strategic framework of co-operation with International and product development and facilitate infrastructure Finance Corporation (IFC) and Global Infrastructure Hub (GI investment and financing flows. Hub) respectively, to strengthen co-operation, capacity- building and facilitation of infrastructure financing A strong network of 54 Partners transactions.

The HKMA has brought together a strong network of Under the agreements, they will cooperate in using the parties interested in supporting the development of IFFO platform to promote a more efficient and conducive infrastructure in Asia and the Belt and Road countries. market environment for infrastructure investment and As at the end of October, the IFFO had 54 Partners, financing in infrastructure projects in Asia. including multilateral development banks and agencies, public sector investors, project developers and operators, IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest commercial banks, asset managers, and law, insurance global development institution focused on the private and other professional service firms from the mainland of sector in emerging markets, working with 2 000 businesses China, Hong Kong and overseas. worldwide. GI Hub is a not-for-profit organisation established by the Government of Australia to lower Officiating at the launch, Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, barriers to investment and work collaboratively with Mr John Tsang said that with its unparalleled connections governments, the private sector and other stakeholders. with the Mainland and other markets worldwide, as well as its wide-ranging prowess as the regional international Mr Norman Chan, Chief Executive of the HKMA said he financial centre, Hong Kong is well-placed to serve as looked forward to having strategic collaboration with IFC. the centre for fundraising, project financing and asset- “With IFC’s deep experience in infrastructure projects management for infrastructure projects in the region. in the emerging markets, and its vast network with multilateral groups and infrastructure developers and The guest of honour at the launch was Mr Chen Yuan, operators, there will be significant synergy between IFC Vice-Chairman of the 12th National Committee of the and IFFO”, he said. Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Other guest speakers were Mr Jin Liqun, President of the Asian For more information about IFFO, please visit www.iffo.org.hk

Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 17 Wine Hong Kong promotes its position as Asia’s wine hub at Bordeaux Wine Festival

Mr Philip Yung (fourth right) cuts the ribbon at the opening ceremony with the Mayor of Bordeaux, From left to right, Mayor of Quebec, Mr Régis Labeaume; Mr Alain Juppé (fifth right) and other officiating guests. Mr Alain Juppé; Mr Philip Yung; and Dr Peter Lam.

Hong Kong promoted its position as Asia’s wine trading hub customs, stored in Hong Kong cellars accredited by the at the 10th Bordeaux Wine Festival (Bordeaux Fête le Vin), Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency, and marketed on held on the quays of the Garonne River on 23-26 June. the Mainland with Hong Kong’s branding expertise and enterprise. France was the top origin of wines imported Hong Kong was represented at the biennal festival, which into Hong Kong in terms of value in 2015, with imports attracts well over half a million visitors, by the Permanent worth HK$ 6.7 billion (around EUR 778 million), a 62% Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development market share. (Commerce, Industry and Tourism), Mr Philip Yung; Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade In addition to wine and tourism business, Bordeaux is Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Lam; Deputy also interested in forging links with Hong Kong in other Commissioner for Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; and the areas such as start-ups, innovation and technology. Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Dr A delegation of start-ups from Bordeaux and Aquitaine Peter Lam. visited Hong Kong during Vinexpo on 24-26 May in search of local partners. In 2012, Hong Kong was the guest city of honour at the Bordeaux Wine Festival at the invitation of the city’s Mayor, Mr Alain Juppé. In 2016, the focus was on ten cities that were invited to present their tourism, cultural, gastronomic and wine assets. They comprised seven cities under the Great Wine Capitals Global Network and three cities with which Bordeaux has a special relationship, namely Hong Kong, Quebec and Brussels.

During their visit to Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region, Mr Yung and the delegation promoted Hong Kong as the super-connector between Mainland China and the rest of the world, bringing wine from more than 40 countries into the growing market on its doorstep.

Hong Kong’s wine re-exports to the mainland of China Pictured with performers at the Hong Kong Pavilion are Mr Philip Yung (second soared in 2015 - up 87%, year-on-year. More and more of right), Ms Shirley Lam (first right), Dr Peter Lam (third left), the Executive these re-exports are granted instant clearance at Mainland Director of HKTB, Mr Antony Lau (first left), and Miss Rosanna Law (second left).

18 Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival The 8th Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival organised by the developed into a wine trading and distribution centre for Hong Kong Tourism Board was held on 27-30 October the region, particularly for the Chinese mainland. 2016. The largest edition ever, it was 20% bigger than in 2015, covering well over four hectares. There were over In the first seven months of 2016, the value of wine 410 booths with wines, whiskies, craft beers and fine imports showed a strong year-on-year growth of 24.2%. foods from 26 countries. In volume terms, Hong Kong imported 63.4 million litres of wine in 2015, an increase of 20.9% compared to 2014. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Financial Secretary, About 43% of the wines imported in 2015 were re-exported. Mr John Tsang, noted that in 2015, Hong Kong imported The remainder – about 57% of wine imports – was taken a record HK$10.8 billions (around EUR 1.25 billion) worth away from Hong Kong by individuals or retained in Hong of wine from around the world. Since the removal of all Kong for storage or immediate consumption. duty on wine in February 2008, Hong Kong has further

The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival takes place at the Central Harbourfront Event Space, with Victoria Harbour as a spectacular backdrop. Hong Kong International Wine and Sprits Fair

More than 1 060 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions business. The Hong Kong wine market is vibrant and took part in the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits buyers at the fair maintained an optimistic outlook. The Fair on 10-12 November. The three-day fair attracted close number of French and Italian exhibitors was the largest to 20 000 buyers from 68 countries and regions. The final among all the exhibiting countries. day of the fair was open to public visitors and attracted nearly 27 000 wine lovers. The blend of trade and public The next edition of the Hong Kong Wine and Spirits Fair participants at the fair created a lively platform for doing will be held on 9-11 November 2017. ProWine to be held in Hong Kong in May 2017

Yet another wine event is coming to Hong Kong. professionals from across Europe, Asia and other ProWine Asia, the newest addition to ProWein World, regions of the world. will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 7-11 May 2017. Hong Kong will play host For more information about wine and wine events in Hong Kong, please to an international gathering of wines and spirits see www.wine.gov.hk/en/index.html

Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 19 West Kowloon Cultural District Opening of M+ Pavilion, first venue of Hong Kong’s visionary arts hub

Mrs Carrie Lam (centre) in front of the M+ Pavilion, with from left to right: M+’s Deputy Director and Chief Curator, Mr Doryun Chong; VPANG Architects Ltd’s Managing Director, Mr Vincent Pang; WKCDA’s CEO, Mr Duncan Pescod; and M+’s new Executive Director, Ms Suhanya Raffel. © WKCDA and M+.

The dedication ceremony for the M+ Pavilion - the first The Chairman of the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural permanent venue for exhibitions and arts events in the District Authority (WKCDA), Hong Kong’s Chief Secretary West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) - took place on 22 for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, said the opening of July, marking a significant milestone in the development the M+ Pavilion will soon be followed by the opening of Hong Kong’s arts hub. of the Xiqu Centre (for Chinese opera) in 2018, and in stages from 2018, the Art Park including the Freespace Designed by a team of three young, Hong Kong-born with a black box theatre and an outdoor stage. The M+ architects who won the first prize in the international building, which will house Hong Kong’s contemporary design competition - Vincent Pang from VPANG architects arts museum for 20th and 21st century art, design and Ltd, Tynnon Chow from JET Architecture Inc and Lisa architecture and the moving image, is scheduled for Cheung - the M+ Pavilion offers a respite from hectic completion in 2019. The Lyric Theatre Complex has also city life with a smart, simplistic approach that allows entered the detailed design stage and is expected to be it to blend into its environment. Mirrored external completed in 2020 and to open in 2021. walls reflect the surrounding expanses of greenery and immerse the building in its Art Park setting. The The M+ Pavilion will hold temporary exhibitions of works Pavilion’s main exhibition space is elevated, allowing it from the M+ collection. After the opening of the M+ to float above the foliage and enabling artwork tobe building, the Pavilion will be available for Hong Kong’s appreciated against a backdrop of the Hong Kong Island artists, designers, architects and other organisations to skyline with spectacular views of Victoria Harbour. stage exhibitions and events.

20 Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 Art, Culture, Festivals Shifting Objectives showcases works from the M+ Design Collection

The M+ collection of design and architecture currently includes more than 2 500 works out of a total collection of around 6 000.

Leading up to the opening of the M+ Museum for visual practices have changed from the post-Second World War culture towards the end of 2019, the new M+ Pavilion period until now. will host a series of exhibitions on visual art, design and architecture, and the moving image. After the “For the past four years, we have been building a design inaugural solo exhibition, Tsang Kin-Wah’s Nothing, a collection from scratch, and it’s a privilege to start newly commissioned work following his presentation showing some of it for the first time,” said MrAric Chen, at the 56th Venice Biennale in 2015, the M+ Pavilion is Lead Curator for Design and Architecture at M+. presenting Shifting Objectives, the inaugural display of the museum’s groundbreaking design collection - the The third exhibition presented by M+ Pavilion (on 24 first of its kind in Asia - until 5 February. February to 7 May 2017) will focus on representations of women in Hong Kong popular culture since the 1980s, Featuring dozens of key objects and works – from mid- using key examples from film, music videos, fashion, twentieth century Japanese furniture, to products from photography, and print media. Hong Kong’s manufacturing heyday, to drones, ‘copied’ goods, and digitally-enabled and open-source practices “Shifting Objectives: Design from the M+ Collection” will be held at the M+ – the exhibition illustrates how design philosophies and Pavilion until 5 February 2017. www.westkowloon.hk/en/shiftingobjectives

Jackie Chan receives honorary Oscar

Hong Kong action movie star Jackie Chan received an honorary Oscar in recognition of his lifetime achievement in the film industry from the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences at the eighth annual Governors Awards on 12 November.

Chan made more than 200 films in his 56-year career. The actor, 62, said winning the award marked the fulfilment of an ambition he had conceived 23 years ago when touching one of the statuettes at Silvester Stallone’s house. Stallone was in attendance at the event, alongside Jackie Chan holding a pair of pandas, mascots who travel round the world Denzel Washington, Lupita Nyong’o, Nicole Kidman and with him. Helen Mirren.

Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 21 EUAP 2016-2017 Urban Innovations Series: sharing good practices in urban development

Organised by the European Union Academic Programme (EUAP) Hong Kong, Urban Innovations will present European current thinking on issues of urban development, solutions for urban problems and pan- European cooperation in these fields, focusing on the city of Vienna.

Concentrating on five main areas (Smart, Green, Social Innovation, Culture and Knowledge City), the series will discuss some of the best practices. It will cover more than The Smart City - Development in Europe: Vienna exhibition, running at City ten events and two exhibitions in four months including Gallery, Central until 31 January 2017, presents the best practices of urban seminars, roundtable discussions and workshops, planning for the future city, showing smart and sustainable development to with a target of more than 500 participants including enhance quality of life. policy makers of Vienna, other European cities and the Hong Kong government, diplomatic representatives, The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels is businesses, NGOs, academics and professionals. pleased to be a supporting organisation of the “Urban Innovations” series to be held in Hong Kong from October For more information, please go to 2016 to January 2017. http://euap.hkbu.edu.hk/series/

Hong Kong and EU students in joint e-Learning project

Secondary school students from 13 schools in Hong Kong, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain took part in a joint eight-week e-Learning project to come up with new ideas contributing towards a more sustainable community.

The e-Learning project was jointly organized by the European Union Academic Programme Hong Kong (EUAP) and the European Studies Programme of the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). Between March and June 2016, the project connected over 100 students across communities by way of exchanging ideas, and collaborating through research on topics such as “Plastics & Recycling”, “Fashion: Labour & Toxic Issues”, “City: Urban The Prize-Giving Ceremony was held at the HKBU on 20 October. Life & Green City” and “Food: Production & Consumption”, thus heightening their awareness of sustainability. and dialogues of green living and sustainability in person in both Hamburg and Hong Kong. A panel of five judges from four NGOs awarded the grand prize, the “Best Sustainable Community Project”, Five other prizes were awarded to mixed groups of Hong to a group consisting of three students from the Lam Kong students and EU students from schools in Barcelona, Woo Memorial Secondary School in Hong Kong and two Berlin and Enschede. students from Gymnasium Oberalster in Hamburg. The project was supported by the Institute of English With support from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Studies, Leuphana University, Lüneburg, Germany; Office in Brussels and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Friends of the Earth Hong Kong; Green Sense; Sustainable Office in Berlin, the winners went on a one-week field Ecological Ethical Development Foundation; World Green trip to their partners’ country in December, where the Organisation; and World Wide Fund Hong Kong. students visited their partner school, as well as green facilities and projects in the city. The students will become For more details, please visit the official website at “sustainability ambassadors”, and continue the exchanges http://euap.hkbu.edu.hk/youngeurope/

22 Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 Talented Hong Kong musicians perform in Europe

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels jazz ensembles perform in various beautiful venues and (HKETO, Brussels) regularly invites Hong Kong talents to outdoor locations. perform in Europe. Among the musicians who came last summer are clarinettist Calvin Leung, who played at the The HKCC is the world’s largest children’s choir group, Rome Chamber Music Festival, the Hong Kong Children’s with over 5000 members and around 100 professional Choir, which went on tour in Portugal, and the Hong Kong instructors. It gave six performances during its tour of Sinfonietta, which performed at the Marvão International Portugal, three in Lisbon, and in Evora, Batalha and Music Festival in Portugal. Élvas.

Clarinettist Calvin Leung shines at Rome Chamber Music Festival

The HKCC with (from left): Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Drew Lai; Music Director and Principal Conductor, Ms Kathy Fok; Director of the HKCC, Mr Fung Yuen; Assistant Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Mr KK Yeung; General Manager of the HKCC, Mr Wilson Tse and conductor/ Calvin Leung (second left) with Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, accompanist of the HKCC, Mr Dominic Lam. Ms Alice Choi (first left); Chairman of the Rome Chamber Music Festival, Mr Robert McDuffie (third left); and Assistant Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Hong Kong Sinfonietta performs at Marvão Mr Jeffrey Chim (first right), at the Rome Chamber Music Festival. Castle in Portugal

Clarinettist Mr Calvin Leung Chin Lun performed at the The Hong Kong Sinfonietta made its debut in Portugal 13th Rome Chamber Music Festival on 28 June. He was at the third Marvão International Music Festival, giving chosen as one of 23 young artists to study and perform three concerts at Marvão Castle and at the Santiago with Festival artists in the beautiful Palazzo Barberini, Church on 28-31 July. a landmark of Baroque architecture and home to the national fine arts gallery, Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica The Marvão International Music Festival attracts world- on 26-30 June. leading classical artists to the walled town of Marvão. The Hong Kong Sinfonietta is one of Hong Kong’s flagship Founded in 2003, the Festival presents a diverse orchestras which has achieved significant recognition programme of masterworks performed by prominent locally and internationally for its passionate performances artists and aspiring music talents. Calvin Leung played and innovative programming. The orchestra performs pieces by Hungarian composer Ernõ Dohnányi. This was year-round with over 100 performances a season. the third time that a young Hong Kong musician was selected for the Festival’s Young Artist Programme.

Hong Kong Children’s Choir enchants audiences in Portugal

The Hong Kong Children’s Choir (HKCC) enchanted the audience at the second Lisbon International Youth Music Festival (Lisbon Music Fest) with a delightful performance on 26 July. Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Drew Lai, said Hong Kong was proud to have such a cultural ambassador.

Taking place in Lisbon during July and August, the Lisbon Music Fest brings together talented young musicians from all over the world. Youth orchestras, choirs and The Hong Kong Sinfonietta performs at the Marvão Castle on 28 July.

Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 23 Hong Kong-Brussels contemporary performing artists’ exchange

Belgian audiences got “A Taste of Hong Kong” thanks to three cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary contemporary art performances at Les Halles de Schaerbeek in Brussels on 16-18 September.

Ten Hong Kong artists and ten European artists based in Belgium had worked in pairs to create multi-art performances. The co-productions experimented with various media and reflected the artists’ thoughts on culture, tradition, space, body and the relationship between arts and the latest technology, including virtual reality. Joining the Deputy Representative HKETO, Brussels, Miss Alice Choi (second Distinguished chef Ms George Tang gave a cookery left) at the premiere are the Director of Wallonie-Bruxelles Théâtre/Danse, demonstration and served her own inspired versions of Ms Stéphanie Pécourt (third right); the Executive Director of the Hong Kong classic Hong Kong “street food” - such as steamed flower Arts Centre, Ms Connie Lam (second right); the Chairman of the Belgium- roll, egg waffles and steamed crystal cake - to the delight Hong Kong Society, Mr Piet Steel (third left); and the Director of Les Halles, of spectators, who queued up during the interval to taste Mr Christophe Galent (first right). the Hong Kong delicacies with a cup of Chinese tea. The event was presented by the Hong Kong Arts Centre The ten Hong Kong artists comprised dancers and and Les Halles de Schaerbeek, and sponsored by HKETO, choreographers Mui Cheuk-yin, Daniel Yeung, Yang Hao, Brussels and the Belgium-Hong Kong Society, and supported Mao Wei and Tracy Wong; Haze (of multi-media and by other Hong Kong and Belgian organisations. animation group Zcratch), Kong Kee (comics artist), Chu Pak-him (theatre actor), Frank Tang (visual artist) and Hong Kong-Brussels Comics Dialogue Jessey Tang (film director). As part of the art exchange, an online dialogue between The Belgian artists were Elise Péroi (visual artist and 24 Hong Kong and 24 Brussels-based comics artists textiles designer), Lola Meotti (visual artist), Piergiorgio was launched in February. The resulting artworks were Milano (dancer), Eric Arnal Burtschy (choreographer), Gaia showcased at the Comic Strip Festival of Brussels on 2-4 Saitta (actor and choreographer), Nicanor de Elia (dancer), September, where Kong Kee represented the Hong Kong Rosa Schmidt (dancer), Sabrina Scarlat (dancer), Camille comics artists. A booklet containing the comic strips was Panza and Pierre Mergé (actors). distributed to spectators of “A Taste of Hong Kong”.

Hong Kong films brought to festival audiences in Italy, Greece, Spain and France

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels White Storm”, ’s “A Simple Life”, Emily Ting’s (HKETO, Brussels) continues to work with established and “It’s Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong” and Alan Yuen’s new local partners to showcase the excellence of Hong “Firestorm”, as well as three short films and six short Kong films around Europe. In the second half of 2016, it animation films. co-operated with the Salento International Film Festival in Tricase; the Thessaloniki International Film Festival; the Underlining the strong links between Hong Kong and SITGES 2016 festival near Barcelona; the Asian Film Festival Salento, Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss in Carpi; and the 3 Continents Festival in Nantes. Alice Choi, noted that the “Best of the Salento International Film Festival” has been screened every year in Hong Salento International Film Festival in Tricase, Italy Kong for the last five years. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Mr Gregory So officiated at the The Festival screened 13 Hong Kong films curated by last edition in May 2016 and thanked festival organisers HKETO, Brussels’ partner, the Hong Kong Arts Centre, for their efforts in promoting cultural exchanges between on 2-10 September. They comprised Benny Chan’s “The Hong Kong and Italy.

24 Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 Thessaloniki International Film Festival (TIFF), attends Asian Film Festival in Greece Carpi, Italy

Mr Jeffrey Chim with the General Director of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, Ms Elise Jalladeau. Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Alice Choi (left) with film Riding on the success of the Hong Kong Martial Arts director Miss Mabel Cheung at the Asian Film Festival in Carpi. Films programme in Thessaloniki in 2015, HKETO, Brussels partnered with the festival again in 2016 to bring more Film director Mabel Cheung attended the Asian Film signature Hong Kong films to the second largest city in Festival in Carpi on 11-16 October, which screened three Greece on 25-28 September. of her films, “The Soong Sisters”, “City of Glass” and her latest movie, “A Tale of Three Cities”. Five Hong Kong films were shown, including Wong Kar- wai’s “The Grandmaster”. Noting that the film is about A total of 12 Hong Kong feature films and a series of short the life of legendary kung fu master Ip Man, whose most movies were shown at the event which HKETO, Brussels was famous pupil was Bruce Lee, Assistant Representative of supporting for the first time, in association with the Hong HKETO, Brussels, Mr Jeffrey Chim, recommended to the Kong Arts Centre and the Hong Kong Film Development audience the major exhibition of the life and work of Bruce Council. The festival included a retrospective of six films Lee, which is being held at Hong Kong’s Heritage Museum by , which gave a good overview of his until 20 July 2018 (for more information, please go to www. creative work. More recent films wereW ong Kar-wai’s “The heritagemuseum.gov.hk). Moment”, Ringo Lam’s “Wild City” and Christopher Doyle’s “Hong Kong Trilogy”. presents “Operation Mekong” at SITGES 2016, Spain After the festival, Miss Cheung proceeded to Venice where she gave a presentation on Hong Kong’s role as a leading fillm production centre at the famousCa’ Foscari University on 17 October.

Li Han-hsiang tribute at 3 Continents Festival in Nantes, France

Dante Lam presents its latest film at SITGES 2016. Film director Dante Lam came to present his latest movie, “Operation Mekong”, a high voltage thriller inspired by true events, at SITGES 2016 – the 49th International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, held in Sitges near Barcelona on 7-16 October 2016.

The programme included ’s “The Mermaid”, (From left to right): Mr Jérôme Baron, the Festival’s Artistic Director; Mr David the biggest box office hit in the history of Chinese film; Martineau, Deputy Mayor of Nantes in charge of culture: Mr Sam Hui, Deputy and ’s latest thriller as a director, “Three”, and Representative, HKETO, Brussels; and Mr Georges Cavalié, Festival President. his production “”, directed by a trio of new talents, Frank Hui, Jevons Au and Vicky Wong. Audiences could also HKETO, Brussels supported the 38th Festival des 3 Continents see Ferris Lin’s documentary “The Weaving of a Dream: taking place in Nantes on 22-29 November. The festival, Johnnie To’s Vision and Craft”, which gives an insight into which last year showed some cult Kung-fu and action the director’s creative and work processes during the films, screened a retrospective of six films by one of Hong shooting of “Three”. Kong’s finest directors,Li Han-hsiang (1926-1996).

Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 25 Dragon Boat Festivals attract crowds in Antwerp and Dublin

Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Brussels, Miss Alice Choi (centre), gives Paddlers from the boat of the Belgium-Hong Kong Society pose with Miss Alice the start of the first race in Antwerp. With her (second left), is City of Antwerp Choi (third left back row) and Assistant Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Mr Alderman and Chairman of the Antwerp Port Authority, Mr Marc Van Peel. Jeffrey Chim (standing second right).

Crowds turned out for two Hong Kong Dragon Boat HKETO, Brussels entered two boats in the races. The festivals, one in Belgium’s port city of Antwerp on crew of “Hong Kong Dragon” comprised staff and their Saturday 10 September, and the other in Ireland’s capital, family and friends. The crew of “Hong Kong International Dublin, on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September. Both Paddlers” had a crew of expats and locals. Given a events were sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and boost by the participation of the representative of Hong Trade Office, Brussels (HKETO, Brussels). Kong at the World Customs Organization, Mr KK Li, an experienced dragon boat paddler, the Hong Kong Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Antwerp International Paddlers made it into the final and was the second to hit the finish. One of Belgium’s biggest summer happenings since 2011, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Antwerp is The Belgium-Hong Kong Society (BHKS) a business forum superbly organised by the Rotary International, Antwerp which also promotes cultural and youth exchanges Club West. Fifty teams of competitors and over 7 000 between Belgium and Hong Kong, entered a boat that enthusiastic spectators came with their families and included among its paddlers a group of students from friends to enjoy the carnival and sporting atmosphere the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL). around the water on a beautiful sunny day.

Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the EU, Ms Shirley Lam (centre) with the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the EU, Mr Victor Kalmykov, and his wife, two of the members of Some of the paddlers of the two boats entered by the HKETO, Brussels the diplomatic corps who attended the event. and their supporters.

26 Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 Dragon Boat racers in Grand Canal Dock in Dublin. Hong Kong Dragon Boat Regatta in Dublin

In Dublin, the HKETO, Brussels was for the first time Fifty-six teams, 28 each day, took part in the races over the title sponsor of the two-day Hong Kong Dublin the weekend on the Grand Canal Dock in Dublin, a total Dragon Boat Regatta, organised by the Irish Dragon Boat of over 1 000 enthusiasts. Up to 3 000 visitors turned Association in conjunction with Plurabelle Paddlers and up on Saturday and up to 2 000 on Sunday to watch with the support of Waterways Ireland and Dublin City the fun. Council.

Ms Shirley Lam, presented the prize for the fastest team to the Antwerp Fire Brigade team.

Visitors to the Hong Kong booth in Dublin try out their chopsticks skills to win Hong Kong brand prizes, with the help of HKETO, Brussels’ Assistant Representative, Mr KK Yeung.

--> Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Brussels, Mr Sam Hui, presented the prizes for the Dublin Regatta’s International Challenge, Novice Challenge, and (pictured) Breast Cancer Survivor’s Challenge.

Hong Kong News Winter 2016 - 2017 27 Launch of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Mr CY Leung (centre) and the Chairman of HKEX, Mr Chow Chung-kong (second left), at the gong-striking ceremony to mark the launch of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect.

The Hong Kong and Shenzhen stock markets were linked coupled with the mutual recognition of funds arrangement on 5 December 2016 with the official launch of the between the Mainland and Hong Kong introduced earlier, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect. will further accelerate the internationalisation of the renminbi (RMB). International investors will be able to The linkage will allow international investors to trade 880 invest more widely in the Mainland’s markets through Shenzhen stocks via Hong Kong brokers, while Mainland Hong Kong’s markets, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong’s investors will be able to trade 417 Hong Kong stocks via position as an international financial centre and a premier Mainland brokers. offshore RMB hub, and creating better conditions for the further development of Hong Kong’s financial services The move follows the successful implementation of the sector. Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, launched on 17 November 2014. Under that first scheme, international Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) Chief Executive investors can trade 600 Shanghai listed A-shares and Mr Charles Li Xiaojia said the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock mainlanders can trade 318 Hong Kong stocks. Mainlander Connect would attract investors who like to trade in good fund flows now represent 10% of Hong Kong turnover, quality, smaller-sized companies. Many Shenzhen listed while international investor trades account for about 1% companies are start-ups or innovative firms which have to 2% of daily Shanghai turnover. high growth potential. Likewise, the new “Connect” will allow Mainland investors to trade in almost 100 smaller- Financial Secretary Mr John Tsang said the Stock Connect, size Hong Kong stocks.

News Winter 2016 - 2017

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