Some 200 guests attended a gala dinner in Tokyo, Japan, today (July 29) organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

 

     Speaking to guests from various sectors including the Japanese political and business sectors, academia, the media and community groups, the Acting Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Mr Thomas Wu, set out the substantive progress achieved by Hong Kong in the past 25 years in various areas.

 

     “With the unprecedented implementation of ‘one country, two systems’ and the steadfast support by the Central Government over the years, Hong Kong has emerged as Asia’s leading world-class city. We are one of the world’s freest and most competitive economies, one of the world’s top three global financial centres, one of the world’s top three destinations for foreign direct investments, and the world’s largest offshore Renminbi centre,” Mr Wu said.

 

     He highlighted that besides adhering to “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong would uphold its unique advantages and capitalise on the opportunities presented by the national development strategies of the Central Government.

 

     “Hong Kong and Japan have all along enjoyed close ties in many aspects. We treasure these bonds very much and have faith that our mature and stable relations in the areas of trade, business and tourism as well as cultural exchange will be growing from strength to strength,” Mr Wu said. He also encouraged Japanese stakeholders to partner with Hong Kong in tapping the immense business potential of Mainland China, particularly through the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

 

     The gala dinner was part of the series of events in Japan to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. The dinner featured various Hong Kong elements as well as the city’s close ties with Japan, including a dedicated menu incorporating Japanese ingredients as well as Western and Chinese culinary cultures; provision of handcrafted Betsy beer by Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong’s home-grown and leading airline; and ikebana (Japanese floral arrangement) by the Ohara School of Ikebana.

 

     The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and Hong Kong dance company R&T (Rhythm & Tempo), also staged their a cappella and tap dance performances from Hong Kong by using hologram technology to showcase Hong Kong’s diverse cultural talents.