“The European Union is a very important partner for Hong Kong. Despite the many changes and turbulence in the global economy in the past few decades, Hong Kong’s relationship with Europe has grown only stronger, extending from trade and economic ties to cooperation on all fronts. To celebrate the friendship between Europe and Hong Kong, our office will organise a series of activities to mark our 50th anniversary”, said Ms Linda Lai.
Some of the highlights include a special Hong Kong Martial Arts Film Programme at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (April 7-19), the Oxfam Trailwalker in Belgium (August 29-30) and the Port of Antwerp Dragon Boat Festival (September 12).
On relations with Belgium, Ms Lai noted that it was the first country to sign a comprehensive double taxation agreement with Hong Kong. Belgium was also one of the first EU member states to have an investment promotion and protection agreement with Hong Kong.
“And just about a year ago, Belgium was the partner of Hong Kong’s Business of Design Week (BoDW), a major international exhibition and conference event bringing together some of the world’s most outstanding design masters and influential business figures,” she added.
Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium, Mr Kris Peeters, who accompanied HM Queen Mathilde of the Belgians as one of the leaders of the high-level delegation that attended BoDW in 2013, said that Belgium’s first relations with Hong Kong dated back to 1845, just 15 years after the Belgian state was founded.
“These contacts received a great boost when the Hong Kong Office was established in Brussels”, he said.
Mr. Peeters also welcomed the fact that Belgium’s exports to Hong Kong were going from strength to strength, increasing by 10.4% in 2014. He said exports of diamonds, Belgium’s major export to Hong Kong, had increased by 6.1%.
Giving a vote of thanks to the speakers, the Chairman of the Belgium-Hong Kong Society, Mr. Piet Steel, said that over a year after Belgium was the partner country at BoDW, the “Belgian Spirit” could still be felt in Hong Kong and Belgian creators and companies continued to seize business opportunities. The Belgium-Hong Kong Society would be delighted to support the HKETO, Brussels in its 50th anniversary celebrations.
The reception included a lively lion dance performance, and as a highlight, Hong Kong artist Hoi Chiu gave a much-admired live sand painting performance telling the story of the establishment of HKETO, Brussels and the ties of friendship between Hong Kong and the EU.
