Speech by FS at Gala Dinner of Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao (English just) (with pictures)
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Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Gala Dinner of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao today (November 7):
Ambassador Ambrosetti (Ambassador of Italy to China, Mr Massimo Ambrosetti), Consul General Ficarra (Consul General of Italy to Hong Kong and Macao, Mr Carmelo Ficarra), Ambassador Harvey Rouse (Head of the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao), Mr Davide De Rosa (President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao), differentiated visitors, girls and gentlemen,
Buona sera. Excellent night. It is really a satisfaction to join you as soon as again at the Annual Gala Dinner of the Italian Chamber of Commerce. This is a superb and remarkable night – an event of withstanding relationship, warm business and terrific enjoyable, along with an important chance for networking and creating much deeper co-operation.
This night advises me of the lots of qualities that link Hong Kong and Italy – not simply by great foods, excellent white wines and designer purses, however likewise by our shared enthusiasm for imagination, workmanship and beauty. Whether it is the design and elegance of Italian style, or the dynamism of Hong Kong’s company and cultural scenes, we are both driven by an unrelenting pursuit of quality.
In 2015 at this extremely supper, I discussed Hong Kong’s function as the entrance to the Chinese Mainland and the more comprehensive Asian area. Tonight, I wish to broaden on that, especially because of the international geoeconomic landscape and China’s advancement method.
In spite of moving tides of geopolitics, Hong Kong continues to be open, inviting, and securely dedicated to open market and financial investment. Under the “one country, two systems” structure, we happily act as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”connecting services, capital, individuals, concepts and chances throughout borders.
This technique has actually shown to be both ideal and fulfilling. We are seeing restored self-confidence and optimism in Hong Kong by worldwide financiers and companies. The exceptional rise in our stock exchange, and growing global acknowledgment of Hong Kong’s strengths and competitiveness, are clear and motivating signs of this favorable advancement.
We continue to be ranked as the world’s freest economy, and we stand amongst the leading 3 international monetary centres. We came 3rd worldwide in global competitiveness according to the IMD (International Institute for Management Development). Previously this year, all 3 significant worldwide credit score firms declared Hong Kong’s strong credit scores.
These motivating acknowledgments inspire us to go even more and to chart brand-new frontiers.
In 2015, I likewise shared about Hong Kong’s dedication to development and innovation. We remain on course, aiming to develop a much more lively innovation sector to drive our next stage of development. That will diversify our financial structure and offer more quality profession chances for our individuals. Our focus is on AI and information science, biotech, fintech, brand-new energy and brand-new products – locations that we hold clear competitive benefits.
And the provider of our vision is the Northern Metropolis. We are accelerating its advancement through 2 significant techniques.
Policy development. We are taking apart barriers and welcoming vibrant, versatile advancement designs – such as massive land disposals – to fast-track incorporated advancement of land, facilities and markets. More versatile, custom-made reward plans will be used to draw in first-class international business.
Second, more deepening cross-boundary partnership with other cities in the Greater Bay Area. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong co-operation zone is a centerpiece, with ingenious policies. Smooth circulation of capital, items, skill, information and even biosamples in this zone, plus a structured regulative procedure to reduce the time to market of drugs and medical gadgets established there. This zone will be extremely appealing to companies in AI, biotech and pharmaceutical items.
Italian business and start-ups are most welcome to be part of this interesting journey. Establish your R&D (research study and advancement) centres here. Team up with our universities and research study organizations. Develop innovative production centers. Explore our flourishing development and innovation community.
Above all, we welcome Italian organizations to utilize Hong Kong as your platform to broaden into the Chinese Mainland and the wider Asian area. And our dynamic monetary sector stands all set to assist them in raising the funds required to support their service growth.
As China advances its top-level two-way opening, we are raising our tactical function as a two-way platform – assisting Hong Kong and Mainland companies go international, while assisting foreign companies to take the chances in China and Asia through our city.
I am pleased to share that later on this month, I will lead a top-level company delegation to Milan. The delegation will consist of representives from the Government and associated public organisations, organization associations, and about 30 to 40 Hong Kong and Mainland business from sectors such as financing, medical and health, green and sustainability, transportation and logistics, in addition to expert services.
We will exist to check out collaboration chances with Italian services – to purchase Italy, broaden even more into Europe, and assist bring more Italian services into the enormous chances of China and Asia.
Before I close, enable me to reveal my wholehearted thankfulness to the Italian Chamber of Commerce and the Italian Consulate-General for your unfaltering assistance and collaboration throughout the years. Your efforts have actually played an essential function in enhancing the ties and relationship in between our neighborhoods, and promoting more partnership in service and cultural exchanges.
May your organizations grow, your connections grow more powerful, and might our relationship continue to deepen and prosper.
Grazie. Thank you.