Spring 2014 Issued by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office

News Spring 2014

Issued by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels

Mr José Manuel Barroso signs the golden book at Government House during his visit to Hong Kong. (Page 2)

HM Queen Mathilde of the Belgians officiates at Business of Design Week (Page 14). The President of the Legislative Council, Mr Jasper Tsang (fifth from left) with Mr Barroso (sixth from left) and members of the EU delegation.

President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso in Hong Kong

The President of the European Commission, Mr José the way for deeper co-operation with Hong Kong and Manuel Barroso, visited Hong Kong and Macao on 22-23 the region for sustainable growth. Europe and Asia November 2013, following his first official visit there as represent half of the world population, 55% of world Commission President in 2005. trade and more than half of the world’s GDP.

Mr Barroso met with Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Mr CY “These are impressive figures, which show the centrality Leung and the President of the Legislative Council, Mr of Europe-Asia relations in today’s world. This relation Jasper Tsang. He also attended a ceremony to mark the is indeed key for the world’s prosperity and stability,” 20th anniversary of the establishment of the European Mr Barroso said. Union (EU)’s Office in Hong Kong. Mr Leung told Mr Barroso that since its establishment 20 years ago, the EU Mr Barroso also pointed out that one of the pillars of office in Hong Kong had made a significant contribution relationship between Europe and Asia and even global in fostering the bilateral relationship between Hong Kong growth is the EU-China relationship. and EU. “We now have dialogue in almost all areas relevant to Addressing the Hong Kong business community at an each other’s development. And at the very heart is our event organised by the European Chamber of Commerce, support for the “one country, two systems” principle and Mr Barroso noted that it was precisely 500 years after the our unique relations with the two Special Administrative firstE uropean contact with Hong Kong, when Portuguese Regions, Hong Kong and Macao. explorer Jorge Álvares, arrived in 1513. “Our relationship is based on shared interests, shared Mr Barroso said that Hong Kong was a thriving and prospects and a shared view on basic principles such as dynamic city, an important regional hub for trade and free trade, transparency and the rule of law. investment and the EU would remain a very close partner of the Special Administrative Region. “Our relations “Hong Kong hosts a vibrant civil society and it serves are strongly anchored in history but are continuously fundamental freedoms. The judiciary and legal projected into the future.” professions remain strong pillars upholding the rule of law and zealously guarding its status. Hong Kong was The EU and Hong Kong have benefited from a fruitful always at the forefront of establishment of rule of law in trade and investment relationship. Europe’s post-crisis this part of the world. That is also why the EU established reform has made its economy more competitive, paving a diplomatic mission in the city in November 1993.”

2 Hong Kong News Spring 2014 Contents

News Spring 2014

Cooperation with Europe President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso in Hong Kong 2 Secretary for the Environment visits the Netherlands on waste management policy 4 Croatia’s First Deputy Prime Minister in Hong Kong 4 Romanian Chamber of Commerce opens in Hong Kong 5 Finance Financial Secretary sees opportunities for cooperation with Paris on Renminbi internationalisation 6 7th Asian Financial Forum focuses on Asian markets powering global growth 7 Government Policy Strengthening Hong Kong’s competitiveness is the focus of annual Policy Chief Executive Mr CY Leung welcomes President of the European Address and of Budget 8 Commission Mr José Manuel Barroso to Hong Kong Business Hong Kong ranked world’s freest economy for the 20th consecutive year 9 Hong Kong named the Best City for Business Events three years in a row 9 Mr Barroso said that European companies are Mainland China and Hong Kong Customs sign Mutual Recognition playing a key role in Hong Kong’s economy: roughly Arrangement to facilitate goods clearance 10 2 000 European firms are based in Hong Kong, of Flemish SMEs told of Hong Kong business opportunities at seminar in Kortrijk 10 which 450 are in fact regional headquarters. Good response to Athens and Thessaloniki seminars on Hong Kong business opportunities 11 In addition, European products in the last two Winners announced in InvestHK’s 2013 global start-up contest 12 years have grown particularly on the back of Hong Kong, a reliable partner for the success of Bulgarian enterprises in Asia 12 robust demand for luxury goods, food, wine, cars Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair attracts record numbers of and machinery. exhibitors and buyers 13 Creative industries “Hong Kong is Europe’s 20th largest trading partner Belgian Spirit brings the best of Belgian creativity to Hong Kong at Business for trade in goods and our surplus is increasing, of Design Week 14 with a record of EUR 23 billion out of a total trade Admission of talented people, professionals and investors to Hong Kong 15 in goods of EUR 44 billion. Film pioneer and philanthropist Sir Run Run Shaw dies 16 Cultural events “European investments keep coming in. European HKETO, Brussels hosts Chinese New Year receptions in 12 European cities 17 products are in demand and European citizens Hong Kong Film Panorama in Lisbon and Porto 20 want to come here, too. This all shows we are Hong Kong Film Panorama celebrates 10th Anniversary at the EYE in excited about Hong Kong’s potential in the years Amsterdam 20 to come”. Infrastructure Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal increases airport’s cargo handling capacity by 50% 21 Mr Barroso said that Hong Kong also contributes Creative industries greatly to the European economy, ranking as the Tsui Hark honoured with the Maverick Director Award at 8th Rome Film 8th largest investor in the EU in 2011 in terms of Festival 21 stock and 6th in terms of flows. He noted that Hong Liaison with Hong Kong communities in Europe Kong was often the starting point for European Financial Secretary meets with Hong Kong citizens in Paris 22 companies for their activities in the rest of Asia. News in Brief Forthcoming events 22 “With 176 European companies registered as Hong Kong to destroy ivory stockpile 22 “Hong Kong Service Suppliers”, the EU is also the Government prepares for introduction of universal suffrage 23 leading source of foreign companies using Hong Ireland to open Consulate-General in Hong Kong 23 Kong as the hub to Mainland China, enjoying the Hong Kong Government bans shark fin at official functions 23 provisions of the Closer Economic Partnership Top Hong Kong Chef in Paris 23 Arrangement (CEPA),” Mr Barroso said, adding Sport that 17% of all European investment in the Hong Kong opens international-standard Velodrome 24 Mainland flows through Hong Kong.

Hong Kong News Spring 2014 3 Secretary for the Environment visits the Netherlands on waste management policy

Mr Wong then attended a luncheon meeting with the Vice Mayor of Amsterdam, Ms Carolien Gehrels, and other officials during which both sides exchanged views on environmental issues of mutual concern.

In the afternoon, Mr Wong proceeded to the Hague to meet with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Mr Siebe Riedstra, and local environmental experts to learn about the waste The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing (front row, centre), is management policy in the Netherlands and exchange briefed by a representative of the Afval Energie Bedrijf Waste Fired Power Plant views on various environmental issues, including waste in Amsterdam on the operation of the world’s largest waste-to-energy plant. treatment infrastructure.

Hong Kong’s Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Hong Kong and the Netherlands signed a Statement of Intent Kam-sing, visited the Netherlands on 5 March 2014 on waste management collaboration on 6 May 2013. as part of a European tour to learn about the overall waste management policies in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden. He exchanged views with local officials and environmental experts on waste reduction and recycling, social mobilisation and waste- related infrastructure. He also took the opportunity to visit various waste-to-energy facilities.

In Amsterdam, Mr Wong first visited the Afval Energie Bedrijf Waste Fired Power Plant, the world’s largest waste-to-energy plant, which treats 4 400 tonnes of waste per day using the moving grate technology. Hong Kong is planning a waste-to-energy facility in Shek Kwu Chau using the moving grate technology, to treat 3 000 tonnes of waste per day.

During his tour of the facility, Mr Wong learned about how the plant generates energy and heat for the city, Mr Wong shakes hands with the Vice Mayor of Amsterdam, Ms Carolien Gehrels, and extracts metals for recycling after waste treatment. at the luncheon meeting.

Croatia’s First Deputy Prime Minister in Hong Kong

Croatia’s First Deputy Prime Minister included business opportunities in and Minister of Foreign and European Hong Kong and using the city as a Affairs, Dr Vesna Pusić, visited Hong stepping stone to Mainland and Kong as part of an official visit to China Asian markets. Sectors of particular from 4 to 8 November 2013 which also interest to Croatia are wine, tourism covered Beijing and Shanghai. and port development.

In Hong Kong, Dr Pusić and delegation Dr Pusić also met with the community members met with Chief Secretary for in Hong Kong, and gave a lecture Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam and on “Models of Political Transitions Permanent Secretary for Commerce in Europe” at the Sociology and Dr Pusić, who holds a doctorate in Sociology, gave a and Economic Development International Cooperation Department lecture to students at the Lingnan University in Hong (Commerce, Industry and Tourism), of the Lingnan University on 8 Kong during her visit. (Photo courtesy of Lingnan Mr Andrew Wong. Topics of discussion November. University)

4 Hong Kong News Spring 2014 Proposing a toast at the opening of the Romanian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong are (from left to right): Director-General of Investment Promotion, InvestHK, Mr Simon Galpin; Chairperson of the Romanian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Ms Valentina Tudose; Consul General of Romania to Hong Kong and Macao, Ms Talida Goean; and the Directors of the Romanian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Mr Roberto Cioaca and Ms Raluca Stroe. Romanian Chamber of Commerce opens in Hong Kong

The Romanian Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit “The Romanian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong organisation, opened in Hong Kong on 17 December 2013 aims to become a dynamic force that will serve as a to provide Romanian companies with timely information networking platform for the Romanian community and about the Hong Kong and Mainland markets, the latest its interests in Hong Kong and, in particular, to create, business regulations and networking opportunities with advance and promote business between Romania and local business communities. Hong Kong,” Ms Tudose said.

The Consul-General of Romania to Hong Kong and Macao, According to the Consulate there are nearly 50 Romanian Ms Talida Goean, congratulated the newly established companies with a presence in Hong Kong, and Ms Tudose Chamber and wished it every success. said that the Chamber hopes to see the number grow further in the next few years. Ms Goean noted that when the Consulate General of Romania reopened in Hong Kong in 2008, there were The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon around 70 Romanian citizens living in the city. After five Galpin, whose department InvestHK offered assistance to years, that number was more than triple, 230. the Romanian Chamber of Commerce to set up in Hong Kong, said he believed that it would find Hong Kong a “Together with the growing presence of Romanian good place from which to help its members access more companies in Hong Kong, it is the right time for the Asian business opportunities. Romanian business community in Hong Kong to organise itself under the framework of a local chamber of commerce, to further support our economic growth trend,” she said.

The Chairperson of the Romanian Chamber of Commerce, For more information about the Romanian Chamber of Commerce in Ms Valentina Tudose, said that Hong Kong offers Hong Kong, please visit www.rochamhk.com Romanian businesses a strategic location from which to expand into Asia given its established role as Mainland For more information about the free advice and customised services China’s economic gateway and its proximity to major offered by InvestHK to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong, please Asian markets. visit www.investhk.gov.hk

Hong Kong News Spring 2014 5 Financial Secretary sees opportunities for cooperation with Paris on Renminbi internationalisation

Mr Tsang said that Hong Kong had the right experience and the right contacts to assist French firms in developing their RMB business.

“There is great potential for further co-operation between more liquid offshore RMB market, ultimately benefiting all Hong Kong and France’s financial centre Paris in promoting players,” Mr Tsang said. the Renminbi (RMB) as an international currency”, Financial Secretary John Tsang said during an official visit to France The Financial Secretary said that Minister Moscovici and he on 21 November 2013. shared the view that closer collaboration between Paris and Hong Kong on the development of RMB business should be promoted at every turn. “This will enable corporate and financial institutions in both markets to capture the opportunities arising from the wider use of RMB to a fuller extent,” he said.

The CEO of Paris EUROPLACE, Mr Arnaud de Bresson, said the Paris financial centre was already an active RMB financial centre in Europe and that its next priorities would be to France and Hong Kong look forward to closer cooperation on the RMB. consolidate the Paris RMB-denominated offer and services for European corporates, including SMEs; to accelerate French Mr Tsang met with French Minister of Economy and Finance, Corporate RMB issuers in Paris as well as in Hong Kong and Mr Pierre Moscovici and spoke at a seminar attended by to welcome Chinese Euro issuers to list on Euronext; to 160 people at the Palais Brogniart, highlighting some of the develop an efficient offshore RMB liquidity pool in Paris to developments in Hong Kong’s offshore RMB business. Titled accompany and to put to work RMB flows, including Sino- “RMB Internationalisation - Opportunities in Paris and Hong African business flows, which are traded through Paris; to Kong”, the seminar, held at the invitation of Mr Moscovici, capitalise on the recently signed liquidity swap between was co-organised by Paris EUROPLACE, the Hong Kong Trade the European Central Bank and the People’s Bank of China Development Council and the Hong Kong Economic and to ensure that banks established in Paris would be in a Trade Office in Brussels, with the support of Banque de position to play a leading role on the offshore RMB market France and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. and to offer from Paris RMB liquidity to international banks, to complement Hong Kong trading hours. Speaking at the seminar, which attracted around 165 participants, Mr Tsang said that, “as China’s global financial Mr Eddie Yue, Deputy Chief Executive, Hong Kong Monetary centre, Hong Kong has been deeply involved in the nation’s Authority, moderated a round table discussion dedicated financial liberalization.” He looked forward to co-operating to RMB financing and investment, while Mr Denis Beau, with friends in Paris to promote the wider use of the RMB Director General of Market Operations, Banque de France, in France and around the world. moderated another on RMB trade settlement.

“With more foreign companies experimenting with RMB In his concluding remarks, Mr Moscovici said that he transactions, it is only natural that banks and financial supported the Paris EUROPLACE initiatives to position the institutions in different parts of the world should provide Paris financial centre as the leading RMB offshore centre in RMB services to meet customer demand. This is not the Euro Area. “This joint seminar is an encouraging step a diversion of business, it is an expansion of business, towards closer bilateral cooperation, especially between and we welcome this trend. It helps create a deeper and joint industry representatives in Hong Kong and Paris.”

6 Hong Kong News Spring 2014 With Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung (centre), from left to right: Mr Jack So, Chairman of the HKTDC; Mr Saeb Eigner, Dubai Financial Services Authority; Mr Jeroen Dijsselbloem, Minister of Finance of the Netherlands and President of the Eurogroup; Mr Fred Lam, Executive Director, HKTDC; Ms Au King-chi, Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services); Mr Alan Bollard, Executive Director APEC Secretariat; Mr Klaus Regling, Managing Director, ESM and CEO of EFSF; Financial Secretary Mr John Tsang. 7th Asian Financial Forum focuses on Asian markets powering global growth Over 2 000 participants and 500 journalists from countries Mr Robin Li, Chairman & CEO, Baidu Inc; and regions around the world attended the seventh Mr Carlo Mazzi, Deputy Chairman, Prada SpA; and edition of the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) in Hong Kong Mr Levin Zhu, President & CEO, China International Capital on 13-14 January 2014. Corporation Ltd.

The Forum organised by the Hong Kong Special At the opening session, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Mr Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong C Y Leung, stressed Hong Kong’s role as a “connector of Trade Development Council (HKTDC) brings together some people and markets from East and West”. He illustrated of the most influential members of the global financial this by noting that Hong Kong “is the largest offshore and business community to discuss developments and Renminbi-financing centre in the world” today. trends in the dynamic markets of Asia. Much discussion took place at the Forum workshops. Prospects in Mainland China and throughout the Asian These examined opportunities ranging from the region dominated the two-day Forum, as HKTDC Chairman liberalisation of the Mainland’s financial market to private Jack So emphasised in his remarks at the Forum opening. wealth management, captive insurance, Islamic finance, “You are here because, undoubtedly, Asia has proven to be ASEAN, free trade zones, Qianhai, opportunities in natural vital - to the global economy and world financial system, resources and energy, and Chinese outbound investment. and to your business bottom line,” he said. “Led by the Chinese Mainland and, increasingly, ASEAN, this region The AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session this year featured has emerged, in recent years, as the world’s economic more than 400 one-to-one meetings between investors and financial engine.W hich is why “Asia: Powering World and businesses looking for investment. They included Growth,” is the theme of our seventh Forum.” dedicated matching between Chinese investors and international project owners looking for Mainland capital. More than 100 speakers, leaders in government, financial and business sectors, took part in the Forum. They The Global Investment Opportunities zone of the Forum’s included:- Networking Lounge presented investment opportunities in Mr Jeroen Dijsselbloem, President of the Eurogroup and various countries with nearly 30 sponsors and exhibitors Minister of Finance of the Netherlands; from Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Mr Klaus Regling, Managing Director, European Stability Philippines, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain and the US. Mechanism and CEO of European Financial Stability Facility; Mr Paul M Achleitner, Chairman, Supervisory Board, The next AFF will take place on 19-20 January 2015, at the Deutsche Bank AG; Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Mr Timothy Geithner, former US Secretary of the Treasury; Ms Fiona Woolf, Lord Mayor, City of London; More information about AFF can be found at: Mr Alan Bollard, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat; www.asianfinancialforum.com/en/index.htm Mr Ding Xuedong, Chairman & CEO, China Investment Workshop summaries are available at: Corporation; www.asianfinancialforum.com/en/info_summaries.htm

Hong Kong News Spring 2014 7 Strengthening Hong Kong’s competitiveness is the focus of annual Policy Address and of Budget

The commissioning of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge by 2016 will present tourism and other economic opportunities for Lantau Island. A Lantau Development Advisory Committee will be established to study the possibility of building more hotels and leisure tourism facilities on Lantau as well as at the artificial island site of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities, which spans some 130 hectares. Ways to further develop the eastern waters off Lantau Island and neighbouring areas will be explored, with a view to developing a new town that could become another of Hong Kong’s core business districts. The Financial Secretary, Mr John Tsang (right), at a live webcast programme organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups on 14 March to Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a tourism destination discuss the 2014-15 Budget. will also be enhanced by the development of the Kai Tak Fantasy area of the Kai Tak Development into a Strengthening Hong Kong’s competitiveness as spectacular world-class tourism, entertainment and an international hub by capitalising on the many leisure hub. New hotel projects in key tourist areas opportunities flowing from the rapid economic would provide over 1 500 additional rooms. development of Mainland China and the Asia-Pacific Region was the focus of the Chief Executive’s Policy Promoting innovation and technology, a research and Address to the Legislative Council on 15 January and the development support programme previously aimed Financial Secretary’s Budget on 26 February (see Hong at small entrepreneurs will be opened to all private Kong e-News of 15 January and 26 February 2014). companies. Universities will also receive annual funding to provide seed money for R&D projects, encouraging Hong Kong wants to consolidate its existing advantages, more students and academics to get their innovations out strengthen co-operation with the Mainland and overseas of the testing laboratories and into the marketplace. economies, and foster diversity and robust growth in its industries. The city’s economy grew by 2.9% in 2013 and As regards the property market, until the supply- GDP growth of 3%-4% is expected this year. demand situation regains its balance, the Government will continue its demand-side management measures The Government is considering and has already acted to forestall an increased risk of a property bubble. A upon some of the recommendations made by the targeted 470 000 residential flats would be built in the Economic Development Commission, the Financial coming ten years and 71 000 private units are also Services Development Council and the Consultative expected to come onto the market within four years to Committee on Economic and Trade Co-operation between help supply. Hong Kong and the Mainland, which have been working at full speed to submit proposals. Among initiatives to develop the financial services industry, the waiver of the stamp duty for the trading of New measures will be taken to benefit Hong Kong’s pillar exchange traded funds (ETFs) would be further extended industries of financial services, tourism, professional to cover all such funds to reduce trading costs. Hong services and trade and logistics and existing initiatives Kong has become one of the largest markets in the Asia to support small and medium-sized enterprises will Pacific region these funds. A new issue of inflation- either be extended or enhanced. linked retail bonds (iBond) of up to HK$10 billion with a maturity of three years is also planned. To promote regional cooperation, a new Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office has opened in Wuhan, in the Mainland’s central region, strengthening the existing Full details of the annual Policy Address and the Budget can be found at network that includes bases in Shanghai, Guangzhou, www.policyaddress.gov.hk/2014/eng/index.html Chengdu and Beijing. Formal negotiations will also start www.budget.gov.hk/2014/eng/press.html with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on a Hong Kong-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. Read Hong Kong e-News at www.hongkong-eu.org (Press Room).

8 Hong Kong News Spring 2014 Hong Kong ranked world’s freest economy for the 20th consecutive year

Hong Kong has been ranked the registering a 0.8 point increase when world’s freest economy by the Heritage compared with the last report, and Foundation for the 20th consecutive well above the global average of 60.3. year since the Index of Economic The Heritage Foundation recognised Freedom was first published in 1995. Hong Kong’s high degree of market openness, complemented by a The 2014 Index of Economic Freedom transparent regulatory environment released on 14 January 2014 ranked and competitive tax regime. In the degree of economic freedom of addition, the highly motivated 178 economies around the world. workforce and the high level of labour The ten factors being assessed are freedom have added to Hong Kong’s business freedom, trade freedom, economic dynamism and resilience. fiscal freedom, government spending, monetary freedom, investment Singapore and Australia remain freedom, financial freedom, property second and third respectively in the rights, freedom from corruption and 2014 Index of Economic Freedom. Of The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung (right), received a copy labour freedom. the other economies in Greater China, of the Heritage Foundation’s “2014 Index of Economic the Mainland ranks 137th, Macao 29th Freedom” from its Founder, Dr Edwin Feulner (left), at Hong Kong achieved an overall score and Taiwan 17th. Government House in Hong Kong. of 90.1 (on a scale from 0 to 100),

Hong Kong named the Best City for Business Events three years in a row

Hong Kong has been voted the Best Place for MICE industry. The city’s clients and event planners. The City for Business Events (formerly superlative accommodations and results of its annual readers’ survey, known as Best City for MICE* Events) business facilities, together with covering the views of corporate clients for the third consecutive year, and its highly effective transport and and venue users, are used to award Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong telecommunications networks, allow industry accolades. of the Hong Kong Tourism Board was business travellers to enjoy their stay named one of the best convention with a diversity of experiences.” He bureaux, according to the 2013-14 said he looked forward to working even readers’ poll conducted by CEI Asia, more closely with the MICE industry to a leading magazine in the corporate strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a events industry in Asia. world-class business city.

In addition, Hong Kong’s two big Total overnight MICE arrivals in Hong convention centres, the Hong Kong Kong in the first 10 months of 2013 Convention and Exhibition Centre and increased 1.8% to 1.3 million, among AsiaWorld-Expo, grabbed the first two which 586 000 (+3.1%) were from the places in the Best Convention Centre Mainland. Arrivals from long-haul category. markets also recorded 1.9% growth at 340 000. Welcoming the news, Hong Kong Tourism Board Chairman Dr Peter CEI Asia has been an authoritative Lam said on 19 December 2013, magazine in the travel trade over the “these accolades demonstrate that past 13 years, offering a thorough The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Hong Kong is the World’s Meeting source of information for corporate (pictured), followed by AsiaWorld-Expo, were voted the two top Best Convention Centres by authoritative trade * MICE stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions. magazine CEI Asia.

Hong Kong News Spring 2014 9 Mainland China and Hong Kong Customs sign Mutual Recognition Arrangement to facilitate goods clearance

Flemish SMEs told of Hong Kong business opportunities at seminar in Kortrijk

HKETO, Brussels and Flemish Invest Hong Kong elaborated on Hong employers’ federation VOKA West Kong’s advantages as an ideal business co-organised a seminar in Kortrijk, location in Asia. Mr Coen Ysebaert, Belgium, on doing business with Director - Corporate International Hong Kong on 13 November 2013. Tax Chinese Services Group Belgium, Around 25 company representatives, supplemented by explaining Hong mainly from small and medium-sized Kong’s favourable tax regime and enterprises and family businesses, the Comprehensive Avoidance of attended to explore business Double Taxation Agreement signed opportunities in Hong Kong and between Hong Kong and Belgium. Mr Mainland China. Willem Jan Hoogland, HKWJ Tax Law & Partners Ltd and Mr Pascal Nichelson, After an introduction by Miss Alice Choi, General Sales Manager Overseas, Miss Alice Choi, Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Savic, presented their successful case Brussels gave a general overview of Hong Kong’s Brussels, Mr Siegfried Verstappen of studies. strengths and role as the gateway to Mainland China.

10 Hong Kong News Spring 2014 Good response to Athens and Thessaloniki seminars on Hong Kong business opportunities

The Customs authorities of Mainland to promote safer international China and Hong Kong signed a Mutual trading and has become a global Recognition Arrangement on 29 trend. Customs authorities accredit October 2013 to recognise each other’s companies that satisfy certain security Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) requirements as AEOs. In return, programmes, enabling companies cargos handled by AEOs may enjoy accredited under these programmes enhanced Customs facilitation. to enjoy customs clearance facilitation for exported and imported goods. Hong Kong’s Customs and Miss Alice Choi, Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, speaking at the Mr Siegfried Verstappen, Senior Investment Promotion Executive, InvestHK, at Excise Department launched its Thessaloniki seminar. the Athens seminar. Under the Mutual Recognition AEO Programme in April 2012. Arrangement, companies accredited Participation is voluntary and free Two business seminars co-organised in Greece by the There were also case study presentations by successful by Hong Kong’s Customs and Excise of charge. Companies accredited so HKETO, Brussels, the Hong Kong Trade Development Greek businessmen. Mr Stelios Polichroniadis, Commercial Department as AEOs can enjoy far include both multi-nationals and Council (HKTDC), InvestHK and the Hellenic Federation Director at Eurimac SA, said that he was active in the reduced examination or prioritised small and medium-sized enterprises of Enterprises (SEV) in January 2014 met with a keen pasta business and had been doing business with Hong clearance for their goods imported engaging in importing/exporting, response from Greek business people eager to explore Kong and China since 2002. He praised Hong Kong as from or exported to the Mainland. manufacturing or freight forwarding opportunities in Asia. an ideal business location with its free market principles, Similarly, Mainland companies which industries. international business mentality, efficient services and have been certified by General The seminars, which received support from the EU reliable financial system. He also highlighted that shipping Administration of China Customs as This is the first Mutual Recognition SME Centre in China, the Hellenic-Chinese Chamber of goods to Hong Kong was cheap as many ships carried “AA” class (equivalent to AEO) will Arrangement that Hong Kong has Commerce, the Greek International Business Association goods from Asia to Athens and then returned empty. have their exports of goods cleared ever signed with another customs and the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce, attracted 75 expeditiously upon arrival in Hong administration and it has special participants in Athens on 9 January and 160 in Thessaloniki Other speakers included Mr Konstantinos Giannopoulos, Kong. significance since Mainland China is on 10 January 2014. Many of the companies attending the Business Development Director, INTRALOT Asia Pacific; Mr Hong Kong’s main trading partner. seminars were from the food and wine sector. Theodore Sotiridis, CEO Travel Hermes; Mr Mike Spiridakos, The concept of AEOs was advocated Similar arrangements with other Managing Director, Spirit World Shipping; Mr Michalis by the World Customs Organization customs administrations will follow. Miss Alice Choi, Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Lichounas, Exports Manager, Kronos SA; and Mr Thanassis Brussels, gave a presentation on Hong Kong’s economic Golias, an expert in food exports, Pitenis SA. strengths, state-of-the-art infrastructure, gateway function to the Mainland of China and first-class business-friendly Miss Choi said that the large number of registrations environment. and the keen interest shown by individual participating companies during and after the seminars demonstrated Mr Siegfried Verstappen, Senior Investment Promotion the growth potential of bilateral trade between Greece Executive, InvestHK, delivered a speech on Hong Kong as and Hong Kong. an ideal business location. In view of the excellent response to the seminars, SEV is Mr Stephen Wong, Regional Director Europe, HKTDC talked planning a business mission to Hong Kong and Mainland about Hong Kong’s leading role as an exhibition and China later this year. trade fair centre and the business opportunities for Greek companies with special attention to those active in the food and wine sectors.

Mr Anastasios Rogkas, Expert at EU SME Centre in China, talked about the business practices in Hong Kong and China.

Dr Athanase Lavidas, Chairman, and Mr Yannis Patsiavos, Senior Advisor, of SEV highlighted the economic importance of Hong Kong and China and the business opportunities for Greek companies wishing to explore new markets. The business seminar in Thessaloniki.

Hong Kong News Spring 2014 11 Winners announced in InvestHK’s 2013 global start-up contest

After two final rounds of judging, D’Arcy Polychrome Ltd, Hanson Robotics and Wifinity Ltd beat nine other finalists to win the Grand Awards and receive prizes worth around HK$2 million (EUR 188,000) in the form of free professional services and work space for one year provided by eight corporate sponsors.

Speaking at the StartmeupHK Venture Forum, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, said Hong Kong was starting to ride on the global trend of start-ups, using its own unique advantages to compete with significant start-up hubs like Silicon Valley, Silicon The Director General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin (far right), Roundabout in London, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. with the three Grand Award winners of Invest Hong Kong’s 2013 StartmeupHK Venture Programme. They are, from left to right, Jay Krishnan of Wifinity Ltd Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon from Hong Kong, David Hanson of Hanson Robotics from the USA and Rachel Galpin said he was happy to see the successful conclusion Lacy of D’Arcy Polychrome Ltd from New Zealand. of the 2013 programme, and said the strong response to the competition reflects the fact that entrepreneurs were increasingly seeing Hong Kong as an important start-up Three entrepreneurs from the USA, New Zealand and Hong hub in Asia. Kong were named champions of the 2013 StartmeupHK Venture Programme on 5 December 2013. “We hope to make the competition an annual event to pull together the public and private sectors in the start-up The Programme is the first global start-up contest designed community,” he said. and staged by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), which wants to make it an annual event to raise awareness of Hong InvestHK’s dedicated website www.startmeup.hk offers a one-stop Kong’s potential as Asia’s leading hub of entrepreneurship portal to Hong Kong’s start-up community. It also lists the latest start- and innovation. up events and signposts users to various government incentive and incubation schemes. The global competition was launched on 9 July 2013 and 384 ventures from 39 countries and cities had applied by For more information about InvestHK, please visit the close of the application period on 27 August 2013. www.investhk.gov.hk

Hong Kong, a reliable partner for the success of Bulgarian enterprises in Asia

Rated the world’s freest economy Ms Lai noted that some Bulgarian and the second easiest place to do companies are already taking business in the world, Hong Kong advantage of Hong Kong’s status is a reliable partner for Bulgarian as a wine-trading hub in Asia since enterprises wishing to tap the it abolished all duties on wine in Mainland China and Asian markets, 2008. Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to Organised by the HKETO, Brussels the European Union, Ms Linda Lai, with the contribution of the HKTDC, Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and said at a business seminar in Sofia the seminar also included speakers Trade Affairs to the EU, Ms Linda Lai, said that as on 18 March 2014. from InvestHK, the Ministry of the number one business city in Asia, Hong Kong is Economy, Energy and Tourism, and the perfect base for Bulgarian companies that want Addressing the representatives of the Bulgarian Small and Medium to do business in Mainland China and the region. around 120 Bulgarian companies, Enterprises Promotion Agency.

12 Hong Kong News Spring 2014 Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair attracts record numbers of exhibitors and buyers

The sixth edition of the Hong Kong Trade Development seeking to expand their business. “A total of ten companies Council’s Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, seen from Turkey have formed a country pavilion here to show as the perfect marketplace for wine traders in the region, the quality of our wines and to look for importers and attracted a record number of 1 005 exhibitors from 40 distributors who can sell our wines to Hong Kong and countries and regions and 20 452 trade buyers from 80 the Chinese Mainland. As Hong Kong is a gateway to the countries and regions around the world. The fair also Mainland market, the fair serves as a great platform for welcomed 75 buying missions with more than 3 000 buyers us to expand into the Mainland market via Hong Kong,” from 25 countries and regions. The fair was opened to the he said. public on the last day and welcomed 23 888 wine lovers, up 18% from the previous year.

Spain, Partner Country

Wines of Turkey, which was taking part in the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair for the first time, promoted a wide variety of Turkish wines.

Big participation from Italy and France Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary Mr John Tsang (right) and Mr Javier Sanz Muñoz, Senior Trade Commissioner of the Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong A number of group pavilions were presented to enrich (centre) taste some wines at the Spanish pavilion. the overall sourcing experience, with Italy and France featuring the largest pavilions with 134 and 140 exhibitors Spain was the Partner Country of the fair, which was held respectively. on 7-9 November 2013 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. ICEX – Espana Exportacion e Inversiones Stevie Kim, Managing Director of Vinitaly International, said brought a large delegation of 86 wineries to Hong Kong, it was Italy’s fourth year at the fair and 134 wine producers showcasing the variety of the Spanish production, and from different parts of Italy joined the event, up 40 % over organised a series of seminars and wine-tasting sessions, last year. Italian wine producers were keen to tap the ranging from sweet and fortified to food pairing. Wines Mainland market. “Fifty per cent of Italian exhibitors have from Spain and Spanish Trade Commission (Hong Kong) importers and distributors in Hong Kong while another also presented a Spanish fine-wine-tasting session, 50% are looking for importers and distributors for Hong introducing wine from 19 Spanish wineries. Kong and other Asian markets,” she said.

Mr Javier Sanz Muñoz, Senior Trade Commissioner of Soprexa, the company that has organised the French the Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong, said being Pavilion at the fair since its inception in 2008, said that Partner Country brought a lot of attention to Spanish French wines currently had a market share of 58% in wines. “Buyers enjoyed Spanish food and wines very Hong Kong. “Hong Kong is a wine trading hub in Asia. much at the gala dinner which was held on the first day The Hong Kong fair is important to French exhibitors of the fair. The fair provides the right place for Spanish because it attracts many buyers from Asia,” Ms Adeline wineries to tap the wine markets on the Chinese Mainland Vancauwelaert, Director, International Exhibitions & New and in Hong Kong and the rest of Asia,” he said. Business for Companies of Sopexa, said. “Due to increasing competition from other wine-producing regions, French Turkish Pavilion companies need to be here to present their wines and to expand their market share in Asia. The fair is a very good One of the pavilions new to the fair was Wines of Turkey. place to establish new contacts and meet with existing Mr Ali Basman, President of Wines of Turkey, said that the customers”. current markets for Turkish wines are European countries, Japan and the US, but Turkey’s wine traders were now The next wine fair will be held from 6-8 November 2014.

Hong Kong News Spring 2014 13 Belgian Spirit brings the best of Belgian creativity to Hong Kong at Business of Design Week

The Belgian pavilion, The House of the Belgian Spirit, presented cutting-edge design concepts, products and services by over 20 exhibitors and hosted the Tales of Heroes exhibition featuring around 45 designs created by Belgian designers based on a contemporary vision but with a sense of nostalgia.

A Surrealist Dinner inspired by the paintings of René Magritte and James Ensor transported VIP guests to a unique experience between Alice in Wonderland and Belgian surrealism, with food by two-star Michelin chef Pascal Devalkeneer.

A milestone in cooperation between Belgium and Hong Kong

HM Queen Mathilde of the Belgians officiated at the events, accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Mr CY Leung, greeted HM Queen Mathilde of the Mr Didier Reynders, while Mr Kris Peeters, Minister- Belgians at Government House. President of the Government of Flanders, Mr Jean-Claude Marcourt, Vice-President of the Government of Wallonia, Belgium’s three regions joined forces under the name and Ms Céline Fremault, Minister of the Government Belgian Spirit to bring the best of the country’s fashion, of the Brussels-Capital Region led a large economic design and architecture to Hong Kong for Business of delegation to Hong Kong. Design Week (BoDW) from 2 to 7 December 2013.

Belgium was the 2013 Partner Country for BoDW, the leading annual design, innovation and brands event in Asia, attracted 100 000 participants from all over the world for a week-long programme of forums, seminars, exhibitions and networking events. Around 20 Belgian keynote speakers took part in the forums, and Belgian Spirit staged two major exhibitions - Dress Code, a general exhibition on Belgian fashion showing 100 silhouettes and accessories by over 50 designers, curated by Charles Kaisin HM Queen Mathilde, Mr Didier Reynders, Belgium’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, with the assistance of Linda Van Waesberge; and Design in Mr Kris Peeters, Minister-President of the Government of Flanders, Mr Jean- Motion, which presented the work and research of Charles Claude Marcourt, Vice-President of the Government of Wallonia and Ms Céline Kaisin since 1999 around motion and recycling. Fremault, Minister of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region officiated at the opening of The House of Belgian Spirit by smashing a giant chocolate globe.

Two Belgian companies, Studio Dott and Belgium’s Originals, seized the opportunity of BoDW to stage the official opening of their new Hong Kong premises. Antwerp-based Studio Dott opened a new Hong Kong office to help Asian companies make their products fit the needs of the European market. Belgium’s Originals opened a bar in Hillwood Road that supplies 100 authentic beers, imported from Belgian breweries. Not only is there strong demand for beer in Hong Kong, but the city is an ideal location to collect feedback from local and overseas customers so that the company can adjust Mr Charles Kaisin commented the Dress Code exhibition to HM Queen Mathilde its products to better suit market needs, helping it plan and ministers Mr Jean-Claude Marcourt and Mr Kris Peeters. the next step of its expansion in Asia.

14 Hong Kong News Spring 2014 Office workers on their lunch break in Central Business District. Admission of talented people, Belgian Spirit leaders Mr Kris Peeters, Mr Jean-Claude Marcourt and Ms Céline Fremault joined forces to professionals and investors to steer a ship in Victoria Harbour. Hong Kong Academic exchanges A number of schemes launched by the Government in recent years to The event was also an opportunity for attract talented people, professionals and investors to Hong Kong have academic exchanges. A delegation of proved successful. In 2013, according to figures issued by the Immigration 11 design students and teachers from Department: six institutions all over Belgium took part in an exchange with the Hong • 28 380 foreign professionals and investors were admitted under the Kong Design Institute, with the support General Employment Policy, which allows entry of those with special of the Belgium-Hong Kong Society. Six skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in Belgian and Hong Kong-based faculties Hong Kong, or who can contribute substantially to the economy; of architecture collaborated on a • 8 017 out of 77 708 entry applications were approved for employment project called 9394.06km – Twin Design under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals. Research Studios, a reflection on new The main sectors of employment were academic research and architectural strategies for Hong Kong education, arts and culture, and commerce and trade; Kong, Shenzhen and the Pearl River • 2 724 out of 10 471 applications were approved under the Quality Delta. Their work was exhibited at Migrant Admission Scheme, which allows talented people from around the Inno Design Tech Expo running the world to settle in Hong Kong without first securing an offer of alongside BoDW. local employment. Of these, 2 502 were approved under the General Points Test, which included applicants mainly from the financial and accounting services, information technology and telecommunications, and architecture, surveying, engineering and construction sectors; and 222 were approved under the Achievement-based Points Test, with successful applicants coming mainly from the sports sector and the arts and culture sector; • 20 649 out of 35 719 applicants were given formal approval to reside in Hong Kong under the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme. Additionally, a total of 2 390 applicants were given approval in principle to enter Hong Kong to make the requisite investments. The Scheme facilitates the entry of persons who wish to make a capital investment in Hong Kong without the need to establish or join in a business. Total investments HM Queen Mathilde and Mr Didier Reynders watched for 2013 amounted to HK$ 167.3 billion (EUR 15.71 billion); and a speech therapist helping a child at Benji’s Centre on • 30 819 non-local graduates were given permission to stay/return and 6 December. The Centre’s founder, Mrs Viola Wong, work in Hong Kong under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local and Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Graduates, which aims to strengthen Hong Kong’s human resources Cheung (both standing) looked on. and competitiveness.

More information about the above schemes can be found at More information at www.belgianspirit.be www.immd.gov.hk/en/services/hk-visas/index.html

Hong Kong News Spring 2014 15 Film pioneer and philanthropist Sir Run Run Shaw dies

Kung-fu classic, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin.

Sir Run Run Shaw, Hong Kong film industry pioneer and The Shaw Prize – the Nobel of the East co-founder of Shaw Brothers Studios, died at the age of 107 on 7 January 2014. Together with his brothers, Sir Until the age of 104 Sir Run Run continued to go to work Run Run created an entertainment empire in Hong Kong at the studio every day. When asked about his personal and Southeast Asia. taste in films, he famously replied, “I particularly like movies that make money.” But while he was an excellent He also launched Hong Kong’s biggest local TV station, businessman, Sir Run Run will also be remembered as a Television Broadcasts Ltd (TVB), in 1967. With his vision generous philanthropist. Paying him tribute, Hong Kong’s and energy, he built the company to become Hong Chief Executive Mr CY Leung said that year after year, Sir Kong’s premier wireless commercial television station Run Run made countless donations to Hong Kong, the and a world leader in the Chinese-language television Mainland and many parts of the world for the benefit of industry. He remained its chairman until 2011 at the education, scientific and technological research, medical age of 104. and social welfare services, as well as culture and art.

Sir Run Run first became involved the film industry in “On scientific research, in 2002 Sir Run Run established the mid-1920s and by the 1970s, about 1.5 million people the Shaw Prize, also known as the Nobel of the East, in a week were going to see a Shaw film. Shaw Brothers recognition of scientists with outstanding achievements was the biggest privately-owned studio in the world, in astronomy, life science and medicine, and the producing almost 1 000 films, 40 a year at its peak. mathematical sciences,” Mr Leung said.

Shaw Brothers brought the kung-fu genre into the Sir Run Run was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1974 mainstream. Some of the company’s most famous and was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal, Hong Kong’s productions include Come Drink With Me, The One Armed highest honour, by the Hong Kong SAR Government in 1998. Swordsman, Five Deadly Venoms, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin and Eight Diagram Pole Fighter. Sir Run Run helped launch the careers of stars such as Chow Yun-fat and Maggie Cheung. Shaw films also inspired Quentin Tarantino, in particular for the Kill Bill movies, and Andrew and Lana Wachowski, directors of The Matrix films. As competition grew, Sir Run Run moved into US movie co- production, including the US classic Blade Runner.

Sir Run Run Shaw. -->

16 Hong Kong News Spring 2014 Belgium’s Federal Minister of Finance, Mr Koen Geens, was the guest of honour at the Chinese New Year reception in Brussels. HKETO, Brussels hosts Chinese New Year receptions in 12 European cities

To celebrate the start of the Year of the Horse and to renew ties with contacts in European Union institutions, national governments, business circles, academia, the media and local Hong Kong communities, HKETO, Brussels hosted a series of Chinese New Year receptions in 12 European cities between 20 January and 20 March 2014 for a total of around 2 000 guests.

Speaking at the first event in Milan on 20 January, Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Linda Lai, said the opportunities will continue to abound for European entrepreneurs in Hong Kong in the Year of the Horse, as the city’s economy continues to enjoy steady growth. More opportunities will arise for Hong Kong, the world’s freest economy, as Mainland China continues on the path of economic reform, she said. In Brussels, (from left to right): Mr Guo Jianjun, Embassy of the PRC; Special Mr Koen Geens and Mr Eamon Gilmore guests of honour Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the EU, Ms Linda Lai; Belgium’s Minister of Finance, Mr Koen Geens; Chairman of the Belgium- Belgium’s Federal Minister of Finance, Mr Koen Geens, was Hong Kong Society, Mr Piet Steel; Chairman of the HKTDC, Mr Jack So; Regional the guest of honour at the Chinese New Year reception held Director Europe, HKTDC, Mr Stephen Wong. in Brussels on 29 January, while Ireland’s Minister of State for Trade and Development, Mr Joe Costello, was the guest of honour in Dublin on 25 February. Similar celebrations were held in Paris, The Hague, Venice, Barcelona, Bucharest, Istanbul, Lisbon, Madrid and Zagreb.

Some talented Hong Kong musicians enlivened the festivities in several of the above cities. Renowned jazzy fusion band SIU2 performed at the reception in Paris, brilliant young pianist Mr Aristo Sham gave concerts in Brussels and The Hague, and a special Marimba Fantasia of Chinese New Year by vibrant Marimba Duo Miss Fiona Foo Pui-yee and Miss Adilia Yip was on the programme in Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, Istanbul and Bucharest. Seventeen-year-old virtuoso Hong Kong pianist, Mr Aristo Sham, playing at the reception in Brussels.

Hong Kong News Spring 2014 17 Chinese lions meet young guest at the reception in Brussels. Over 450 people attended the reception in Brussels.

In Paris, toasting the Year of the Horse (from left to right): Mr Marc Allard, Director France, HKTDC; Ms Selina Miao, Director General, Cathay Pacific France; Mr Sébastian Tribaut of Champagne Tribaut Scholesser; Mr Bertrand Moreau, Vice Chairman of the France-Hong Kong Society; Mr Stephen Wong, Regional Director Europe, HKTDC; Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the EU, Ms Linda Lai; and Mr Didier Balme, Founder of jazzy fusion band SIU2, Ng Cheuk-yin, playing the Sheng Chairman of the France-Hong Kong Association. in Paris.

Members of fusion band SIU2 (from left to right), standing: Laurence Tsui, Siuming Chan and Peter Fan; seated: Jason Lau, Ng Cheuk-yin, and Cass Lam. The Paris reception took place at the Art Deco-style Hotel du Collectionneur.

18 Hong Kong News Spring 2014 In The Hague (from left to right): Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the EU, Ms Linda Lai; pianist Mr Aristo Sham; Regional Director Europe of the HKTDC, Mr Stephen Wong; and Ms Marleen Zuijderhoudt, Interim Director of West Hollande Foreign Investment Agency.

In Dublin (from left to right): Minister of State for Trade and Development, Mr Joe Costello In Madrid (from left to right): Ms Rose de la Pascua, Chair of Spain (centre) was the guest of honour. With him from left to right are Mr Stephen Wong, Regional and Executive Vice President Continental Europe of Weber Shandwick; Director Europe, HKTDC; Mr Hugh Governey, independent company director; Mr Ronan King, Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to Chair, Ireland Hong Kong Business Forum, and Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic the EU, Ms Linda Lai; Mr Jack So, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade and Trade Affairs to the EU, Ms Linda Lai. Development Council.

Talented Hong Kong musicians Miss Adilia Yip and Miss Fiona Foo Pui-yee The Marimba Duo performing in Barcelona.

Hong Kong News Spring 2014 19 A still from Diva, a modern love story about the music industry made by 28-year-old film director, Mr Heiward Mak. The female lead, Miss Joey Yung (left), is a real-life diva, one of the most popular Hong Kong Cantonese pop song singers. Miss Mag Lam (right) became a successful singer after winning TV competition The Voice in Hong Kong in 2010, at the age of 20. Hong Kong Film Panorama in Lisbon and Porto

The Hong Kong Film Panorama, an annual film festival Yuen’s My Sassy Husband and the opening film by Mr organised by the HKETO, Brussels to bring some of Heiward Mak, Diva. the latest Hong Kong productions to audiences across Europe, made the first stop on its 2014 European tour This was the fifth time that the HKETO, Brussels in Lisbon, where it was held from 22 to 26 January worked with its local partner, Zero em Comportemento, 2014. organiser of renowned international independent film festival IndieLisboa, to bring the Panorama to the Eight films were screened at the Cinema City Classic Portuguese capital. Alvalade: Mr Vincent Chui’s The Fig, Mr Gilitte Leung’s Love Me Not, Mr Longman Leung and Mr Sunny Luk’s This year, for the first time, HKETO, Brussels brought the Cold War, Mr Simon Yam, Mr Lee Chi-Ngai and Mr Fruit event to the country’s second largest city, Porto, where Chan’s Tales from the Dark, Mr Wong Jing’s The Last The Fig, Love Me Not, and Cold War were shown at the Tycoon, Mr Adam Wong’s The Way We Dance, Mr James Cinema Passos Manuel from 19 to 21 February 2014.

Hong Kong Film Panorama celebrates 10th Anniversary at the EYE in Amsterdam

For the tenth successive year, HKETO, Brussels brought the Hong Kong Film Panorama to Amsterdam in cooperation with its partner, the EYE Film Institute Nederland.

Four films were screened from 12 to 17 February 2014, including three recent Hong Kong movies – Mr Wong Jing’s The Last Tycoon, Mr Adam Wong’s The Way we Dance and Mr Sunny Luk’s Cold War - and Mr King Hu’s 1971 classic, A Touch of Zen.

A still from Wong Jing’s The Last Tycoon, starring Chow Yun-fat.

20 Hong Kong News Spring 2014 Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal increases airport’s cargo handling capacity by 50%

Cathay Pacific Services Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hong Kong’s flagship airline, Cathay Pacific Airways, has opened a new cargo terminal at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) which will double the airport’s air cargo handling capacity to 7.4 million tonnes per year.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on 17 February 2014, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, said the HK$5.9 billion (EUR 555 million) project underlined the importance of the private sector’s contribution to the development of Hong Kong’s airport.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s major aviation hubs and HKIA has been consistently ranked among the best and busiest airports since moving from Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok in 1998. Last year, the airport handled The Chief Executive of Hong Hong, Mr CY Leung (centre) toured the Quick Transhipment over 4 million tonnes of cargo and close to 60 million Handling Area and Interface Staging Area in the cargo terminal before the opening passengers, which is almost nine times the total ceremony. population of Hong Kong.

Tsui Hark honoured with the Maverick Director Award at 8th Rome Film Festival

Hong Kong film director and producer Mr Tsui Hark, who revolutionised Hong Kong cinema in the 1980s and 1990s and has influenced many Hollywood directors, received the Maverick Director Award at the 8th Rome Film Festival on 16 November 2013. The award is given to auteurs who have contributed to the invention of a new, nonconformist cinema.

Mr Tsui Hark continues to thrill audiences today, with breathtaking special effects, and in the case of his latest movie, stunning use of stereoscopic 3D, which makes his gravity-defying high-wire martial arts action scenes even more spectacular.

Mr Tsui Hark’s new film, Young“ Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon”, was presented out of competition in its international premiere after the awards ceremony. The much-anticipated 3D movie was a prequel to the 2010 award-winning fantasy Kung-fu film Detective“ Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame”.

Mr Tsui Hark confirmed that the third installment of the Detective Dee series is in pre-production.

Hong Kong News Spring 2014 21 Forthcoming events Hong Kong to destroy ivory Hong Kong Film Panorama - European Tour 2014 stockpile Madrid - 15-18 May 2014 Barcelona - 22-25 May 2014 Florence - 26-29 May 2014 Istanbul - 5-15 June 2014 Izmir - 17-22 June 2014 www.hongkong-eu.org

Posidonia, Athens - 2-3 June 2014 Visit the Hong Kong pavilion at Posidonia, the most prestigious international shipping event. www.posidonia-events.com

“Think Asia, Think Hong Kong” In Paris (28 October 2014) and Milan (30 October 2014) Paris and Milan have been selected as the next stops for the large scale flagship business event organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong”. A major trade mission led by a senior Hong Kong government official will come to Paris and Milan to take part. www.thinkasiathinkhk.com

Liaison with Hong Kong Hong Kong has made a number of large seizures of ivory in recent communities in Europe: years. Pictured are 189 ivory tusks seized by Hong Kong Customs on 3 October 2013. Financial Secretary meets with Hong Kong has boosted the fight against the illegal Hong Kong citizens in Paris ivory trade by deciding to follow international examples and destroy most of its stockpile of confiscated tusks. Mr Paul Shin Kam-shing, the Chairman of the Endangered Species Advisory Committee which approved the destruction on 23 January 2014, said he hoped it would set an example.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will incinerate at least 28 tonnes of ivory, estimated by conservationists to be the product of the death of more than 10 000 elephants. The first batch will be destroyed by July 2014 and the rest within two years.

Conservation groups said Hong Kong’s decision would send a strong message to consumers in During a visit to Paris, Financial Secretary Mr John Tsang seized the region that illegally sourced ivory would not the opportunity to meet with around 30 members of the Hong be tolerated. Kong community in Paris at a reception hosted by HKETO, Brussels on 20 November 2013. He updated them on the latest Gabon, the Philippines, the USA, China, and most developments in Hong Kong and listened to their experiences recently, France, have also decided to destroy of studying, working and living in France, Belgium. their ivory stockpiles.

22 Hong Kong News Spring 2014 Government prepares for introduction of universal suffrage

A five-month public consultation on constitutional reform is underway until 3 May 2014 as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government prepares for the introduction of universal suffrage. On 4 December 2013 the Government published the “Consultation Document on the Methods for Selecting the Chief Executive in 2017 and for Forming the Legislative Council in 2016” to consult the public on the two electoral methods. The Government said it was fully committed to forging a consensus in the community to achieve the common goal of universal suffrage in accordance with the principle of “One Country, Two Systems” and the provisions of Hong Kong’s Basic Law. Determined to achieve a consensus on universal suffrage - Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam (centre), joined by Secretary for Justice, Mr The consultation document and more information can be found at Rimsky Yuen (left) and Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr www.2017.gov.hk Raymond Tam (right) display the consultation document.

Ireland to open Consulate-General Hong Kong Government bans in Hong Kong shark fin at official functions

Ireland will open a new consulate in Hong Kong, the The Government will stop serving shark fin, bluefin country’s Department of Trade and Foreign Affairs tuna and black moss (fat choy) at official functions, in announced on 21 January 2014. Ireland is expanding a move lauded by conservation groups. In a statement its embassy network to include five new embassies (in on 13 September 2013, the Government said it would Bangkok, Jakarta, Zagreb, Nairobi and Vatican City) and encourage government-funded bodies to do the same. three consulates (in Hong Kong, Sao Paolo, and Austin, Texas) to support its foreign trade and inward investment, A spokesman said that the Government was determined taking account of the Irish Government’s trade, tourism to take the lead and set a good example on this front and investment strategy. that went beyond the minimum expectation as laid down in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Top Hong Kong Chef in Paris

With its 11 000 restaurants, of which 73 have been awarded Michelin stars, Hong Kong is one of the world’s capitals of gastronomy. It also has the distinction of being the most affordable Michelin-grade dining destination in the world. Two-star chef Mr Mok Kit Keung, of the Kowloon Shangri-la’s Shang Palace, came to Paris to treat French diners to some fine Hong Kong cuisine at a festival organised on 3-14 April at the Paris Shangri-la Hotel.

Mr Mok (second from right) is pictured with Miss Drew Lai, Deputy Representative at the HKETO, Brussels (far right), Mr Philippe Labbé, Executive Chef of the Shangri-la Hotel (third right), Mr Frank Xu, Chef of the Shang Palace Paris (fourth right), and Ms For more information about the huge variety of restaurants Solange Johnston, Director France and French-speaking Europe, Hong Kong Tourism in Hong Kong, please see www.discoverhongkong.com Board (fifth right). Hong Kong News Spring 2014 23 Hong Kong opens international-standard Velodrome

Inspired by a cycling athlete’s helmet, the Hong Kong Velodrome is characterised by an exceptional oval, wavy rooftop design.

Hong Kong now boasts its first-ever indoor cycling The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, facility that meets the standards of the Union Cycliste said the Velodrome would provide a local, fixed and Internationale and can host large-scale and high-level quality training base for the Hong Kong Cycling Team and track-cycling competitions. would help train more outstanding cyclists in Hong Kong.

Located at 107, Po Hong Road, Tseung Kwan O, the Hong At the completion ceremony on 30 December 2013, Kong Velodrome has a 250-metre indoor cycling track Bronze medal winner of the women’s keirin event at with supporting facilities and a multi-purpose arena. It the London 2012 Olympic Games, Miss Lee Wai-sze, and will open to the general public in phases in the first other elite cyclists demonstrated their superb skills and quarter of 2014. speed in pursuit and keirin events.

News Spring 2014

This newsletter is issued by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, the official representation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to the European Union and 14 of its Member States, and to Turkey. Please contact us if you wish to subscribe/unsubscribe. For the latest information, please see our website at www.news.gov.hk

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