Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo press conference today (August 30):
As an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, Hong Kong enjoys unique advantages under "one country, two systems" while being connected to both the Mainland market and the global stage. These present unparalleled and unrivalled opportunities for Hong Kong's arts and culture sector.
To capitalise on our strengths and play to these advantages, the Government considers it an opportune time to organise our own first-ever performing arts market, the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo, which will take place in October 2024. We have high expectations for the Hong Kong Arts Development Council to develop this unique and important event into a signature branding of Hong Kong in the long run, benefitting the arts and culture sector in Hong Kong.
Immediately after the Expo, Hong Kong will host the 2024 Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival. These two important arts and culture events will synergise and complement each other. Participants can enjoy the high-level offerings of arts groups from the Mainland and worldwide, while at the same time exploring the possibility of tapping into the Greater Bay Area market, as well as further understanding the Chinese culture and promoting cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.
The Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo will involve the community and attract visitors to Hong Kong. I am confident that the Expo will be a resounding success.
Wednesday, August 30, 2023