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SCED promotes closer ties between Hong Kong and UK in London (with photos)

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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, speaks at a business seminar on creative industries in London, the United Kingdom today (May 20, London time). The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So (left), today (May 20, London time) visits Campus London, a start-up facility in East London's Tech City,?and is briefed by the Project Manager, Ms Francesca Dean, on the start-up scene in London. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So (front row, seventh left), today (May 20, London time) attends a lunch meeting with members of the Hong Kong Association Committee to update the committee on the business outlook of Hong Kong.

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So (right), officiates at the opening ceremony of the new office of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London, on May 20 (London time).  The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So (centre), officiates at the opening ceremony of the new office of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London, on May 20 (London time), flanked by the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Brussels Economic and Trade Office, Ms Shirley Lam (right) and the Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London, Ms Priscilla To (left).  The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So (right) , visits the Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, University of the Arts London on May 20 (London time).

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So (right), visits the Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, University of the Arts London on May 20 (London time).

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, started his visit programme in London, the United Kingdom (UK), today (May 20, London time) to deepen Hong Kong's ties with the UK.

Speaking at a business seminar on creative industries in the morning, Mr So said that Hong Kong plays an indispensable role as one of the most important business platforms in the world for creative industries.

"Hong Kong has for decades played a 'super-connector' role in linking the Mainland of China to the rest of the world and bringing a world of ideas and a wealth of creative thinking to China. Thanks to this unique positioning, Hong Kong provides an ideal business environment for overseas enterprises and serves as the key conduit to the flourishing Mainland China market," Mr So said.

He cited as an example the recent establishment of a China-US consortium, Flagship Entertainment Group Limited, set up by Warner Bros Entertainment Inc and China Media Capital and headquartered in Hong Kong.

He added that Hong Kong will have a key role to play under the Belt and Road Initiative, which has been designed to drive economic and cultural connectivity among some 60-plus economies spanning Asia, Africa and Europe. As Mainland and overseas companies boost their business collaboration, Hong Kong will be the first place they can turn to for design services and strategic branding. He said he looked forward to more collaboration and partnership opportunities between Hong Kong and the UK in creative industries.

Mr So also paid a visit to Campus London, a start-up facility in East London's Tech City, to learn more about the start-up scene in London.

In the afternoon, Mr So will attend a lunch meeting with members of the Hong Kong Association Committee, chaired by Mr Douglas Flint, the Group Chairman of HSBC Holdings, to update the committee on the business outlook of Hong Kong and the latest developments of the trading, logistics and tourism sectors. The Hong Kong Association was set up to act as a champion in the UK for the long-standing and special business and trading relationship between Hong Kong and the UK. Mr So will then officiate at the opening ceremony of the new office of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London. He will also visit the Central Saint Martins college of arts and design of the University of the Arts London.

Mr So will continue his visit to London tomorrow (May 21, London time).

Friday, May 20, 2016