​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta) held a luncheon in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, today (August 18) to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and to strengthen economic, trade and people-to-people ties between Hong Kong, Brunei and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Addressing the event in his welcoming speech, the Director-General of the HKETO Jakarta, Mr Law Kin-wai, said that Hong Kong has always been striving for progress over the past quarter century. As the freest and most competitive economy, a top global financial centre, a reputable jurisdiction for the rule of law, the world's largest offshore Renminbi hub, as well as the busiest port in terms of air cargo throughput, Hong Kong's solid status in numerous aspects all manifest its achievements under the "one country, two systems" framework and the Basic Law.
Mr Law also highlighted that bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Brunei expanded substantially over the past few years, with an average annual growth rate of over 40 per cent since 2017. Under the contexts of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong would continue to serve as a first-class springboard to Mainland China and the world.
"With the gradual implementation of facilitative measures for inbound travellers since this May, as well as a series of signature business and trade events and exciting sports happenings to take place later this year, Hong Kong looks forward to welcoming back overseas travellers to immerse themselves once again in the city's vibrancy," he added.
Dignitaries joining the occasion to mark this important milestone for the HKSAR included the Chinese Ambassador to Brunei, Ms Yu Hong; the Deputy President of the Brunei Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Haji Mohammad Hanafi bin Pehin Orang Kaya DiGadong Seri DiRaja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Abdul Rahman; the Deputy President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Bandar Seri Begawan, Mr Lee Chung Keng; the Chairman of the Shipping Association Brunei Darussalam, Mr Lim Jin Yong; and the Director of Malaysia of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Hoh Jee Eng. Senior representative from local government agencies such as the Brunei Economic Development Board also attended.
Some 60 participants from various local sectors attended the luncheon. The HKETO Jakarta will continue to organise a series of events in the coming months to underscore the remarkable achievements of the HKSAR over the past 25 years.
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