Speech by FS at Reception of 214th Anniversary of Declaration of Independence of Mexico (English only) (with photos)

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Reception of 214th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Mexico today (September 12):
 
Ambassador Macedo (Consul General of Mexico in Hong Kong, Mr Pablo Macedo Riba), Deputy Commissioner Fang (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Fang Jianming), ladies and gentlemen, 
 
     Good evening.
 
     It is a pleasure to be here, tonight, with you, in celebration of the 214th anniversary of Mexico's independence.
 
     I am grateful to the Consulate and the Ambassador, now into his fourth year as Consul General of Mexico in Hong Kong, for this welcome opportunity to celebrate this proud national occasion with our Mexican friends and business partners. 
 
     Mexico is a dynamic nation, Latin America's second-largest economy and a fast-rising global economy. 
 
     The research team of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council recently visited Mexico, meeting with government officials and a wide range of trade, investment and industry representatives, coming away favourably impressed with the country's "extensive industrial infrastructure and friendly business environment".
 
     Your nation of more than 130 million people is a major country in the Latin American region and an important emerging market. It is creating opportunity for a world of business and investment. 
 
     Not surprisingly, Mexico was Hong Kong's largest merchandise trading partner in Latin America last year.
 
     Mexico's ties with our country are also encouraging. Indeed, the value of Mexico's foreign direct investment stock from China has soared 190 per cent over the last decade to US$1.24 billion in 2022. Last year, the value of Mexico's imports from China grew by over 85 per cent to US$114 billion compared to 2013. 
 
     This year, the China-Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership is celebrating its 11th anniversary. 
 
     As the bond between China and Mexico grows stronger and more rewarding, Hong Kong is proud to be contributing to the building of this closer partnership.  
 
     Thanks to the "one country, two systems" arrangement, Hong Kong acts as a "super connector" that enjoys convenient and sometimes priority access to the Mainland market, while maintaining seamless connections with the rest of the world.  
 
     We can help fast-track business, trade and investment between Mexico and the Mainland. In fact, around US$6 billion of the total merchandise trade between Mexico and the Mainland was routed through Hong Kong.
 
     With the support of the Mainland, Hong Kong plays a pivotal role in major national strategies such as the Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative. 
 
     Looking ahead, our country is committed to high-standard opening up, and to supporting countries and economies in the Global South to achieve their developmental goals and common prosperity. In this process, Hong Kong's "super connector" role will only grow stronger.  
 
     We are proud to be a premier fundraising platform, and a trading and business hub for Mexican businesses seeking to tap into the Mainland market and access the capital in this part of the world. Mexican businesses are most welcome to establish their regional headquarters in our city.
 
     Beyond trade and investment, we warmly welcome Mexican artists, performing groups, filmmakers, and creative industry professionals to showcase their talents and works in Hong Kong, a vibrant theatre of international cultural exchange.
 
     In short, we are looking forward to building a more prosperous future together for our two economies, our two peoples. 
 
     Now please join me in a toast: "To the people of Mexico".

     Cheers! Salud!