Following is the video speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, on Europe Day 2022 today (May 9):
Ladies and gentlemen,
I'm delighted to congratulate the European Union (EU), and the people of Europe, on this welcome annual occasion.
Europe Day pays tribute to the single economic and political institution forged by its 27 member states.
Equally important, it's an opportunity for economies the world over to celebrate their rewarding connections with Europe.
Count Hong Kong among them.
The EU is our third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade last year up over 16 per cent.
We are home to some 1 600 EU companies and value each and every one of them.
And we are keen to strengthen our ties with our European partners, and friends, in every sector, every way and any means we can realise.
Working together, there's much Hong Kong and the European Union can accomplish, much to look forward to.
Thank you.
Follow this news feed: East Asia