The Third Hong Kong Festival Landed in Auckland

8 August 2011

The Third Hong Kong Festival Landed in Auckland

Over 100 people celebrated the landing of a classic Hong Kong in Auckland last week with the official opening of Hong Kong Festival at the Art Gallery.

Officially opened by Auckland Mayor Len Brown, he was pleased to be part of a multi-cultural event that adds to what Auckland has to offer.

“Auckland is a united city; it shouldn’t be seen as a gateway to New Zealand.

“We want people to stay in Auckland, and see Auckland as the true destination instead of stopping by and going further to other places in New Zealand.

“We can achieve this by celebrating Auckland’s multi-cultural society with more events, shows and festival celebrations.”

He also values the nation and city of Hong Kong and sees similarities in both cities.

Felix Lee, President of Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association and organizer of Hong Kong Festival echoes Mr Brown’s comment.

“Hong Kong is an easy place for New Zealanders to visit, do business and use as a platform to enter the wider Asian region / markets.

“But we don’t want people to just use Hong Kong as a gateway to China, it is also a fabulous place to stay and visit for many reasons.

“Now New Zealand businesses have even more tools to help them to do business with Hong Kong. Last year the New Zealand government has concluded a free trade agreement with Hong Kong, called the Closer Economic Partnership (CEP), a double-taxation agreement - and within the next 18 months an investment protocol is expected.

“All of which will help New Zealand businesses operate more effectively in Asia.”

Starting from 4 August, the third Hong Kong Festival will bring Aucklanders through a journey of 60’s, present and future of the city through a string of events covering photo exhibition, movies, trade and career seminar and business networking banquet.

The Hong Kong Festival 2011 includes Career Hong Kong Seminar on 10 Aug at University of Auckland, Cinema Hong Kong on 12 to 17 Aug at Rialto Cinemas, Connect Hong Kong Seminar on 16 Aug, Celebrate Hong Kong Charity Banquet on 18 Aug, and Breakfast with Minister on 24 Aug at the Langham Hotel.

Other honourable guests include Mayor of Nelson Mr Aldo Miccio, Labour List MP Raymond Huo, Councillor Arthur Anae, Consul Generals and Honorary Consuls, and Bonnie Shek, Director of Hong Kong Trade Development Council, representing the Hong Kong SAR Government.

The festival is hosted by the Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association, and supported by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Invest Hong Kong, Hantec New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, The Langham Auckland, Auckland Council, Skykiwi, Rialto Cinema, and Lik Tin Century Ltd, Rialto Shopping Centre, Film Auckland, University of Auckland Business School, New Zealand Asia Institute, Multi-Media Systems, Agatha, Lee Kum Kee, Kea Auckland and our media partners.

For information please visit www.hkfestival.org.nz

ENDS

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