Speech by CS at opening ceremony of Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (with photos)

     Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (HKPAX) hosted by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council today (October 14):

尊敬的王�苗秘書長 (Secretary General of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Wang Songmiao), �永�副特派員 (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR Mr Li Yongsheng), Kenneth (Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, Mr Kenneth Fok), Wilfred (Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Fund Advisory Committee, Dr Wilfred Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening.

     On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I would like to welcome you all to the inaugural Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo. 

     HKPAX provides a comprehensive platform for showcasing top-notch performing arts productions from the international and local community, as well as promoting exchanges and collaborations to create business opportunities for these programmes and creative talents.  

     The first HKPAX has received an overwhelming response, with strong support from our country and friends from around the world. More than 1 400 delegates from over 60 countries and regions are participating in HKPAX and sharing their artistic visions and creations with us.

     Hong Kong is a melting pot of Chinese and Western cultures. We enjoy the distinct advantage of having strong support from our motherland and being closely connected to the world. These, together with our world-class arts and culture facilities and pluralistic arts environment, pave the way for us to further develop the city's role as a cultural hub for the region and the world.  

     HKPAX is much more than a market. It is a platform for making connections, exchanging ideas and fostering collaborations.

     For friends coming from abroad, please get to know the many and varied local artists and arts groups through various performances, showcases, pitches and other activities, and exchange innovative ideas on the artistic front. Also, do not miss the opportunity to get to know the rapidly emerging cultural cities in our motherland, especially those in the Greater Bay Area.

     Right after HKPAX, we will host the 2024 Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival, which aims to promote integration, exchanges and collaborations, and enrich the cultural soft power of the Greater Bay Area. We hope that these two mega events will synergise and complement each other, and provide you, the visitors, and the people of Hong Kong with quality arts and cultural offerings.

     The HKSAR Government is committed to strengthening Hong Kong's position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges. With your enthusiastic support for the event, HKPAX has succeeded in establishing itself as an important platform for new artistic connections and exchanges, and has made a mark for Hong Kong in the world of performing arts.

     I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members and staff of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council for their tireless efforts in planning and organising HKPAX. My special thanks also go to all our partners, participating arts leaders and practitioners from Hong Kong, the Mainland and around the world. HKPAX would not be possible without your support and participation.

     Last but not least, I wish HKPAX every success, and hope you all enjoy the exciting programmes of HKPAX and your stay in our beautiful city in the coming days.

     Thank you. And now, I would like to say a few words in Cantonese.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the speech.)