Hong Kong Financial Secretary’s visit to California

Hong Kong Financial Secretary, Mr. John C Tsang visited San Francisco, Napa Valley and Los Angeles in California from April 29 to May 1.

The Financial Secretary gave a keynote address at the “Hong Kong – an International Financial Center” gala dinner hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (SFETO) on April 29 at the Bently Reserve. More than 200 business leaders, senior officials, consuls general and local dignitaries attended the dinner.

In addressing the guests, Mr Tsang talked about some of the measures that the Hong Kong Government has been undertaking to limit the impact of the global economic crisis. He also highlighted the main areas where Hong Kong is taking advantage of today’s unique opportunities to make the city an even more competitive place to do business.
[click here to read the full text of Mr. Tsang’s speech at
the gala dinner]

During his visit to the wine country, the Financial Secretary visited a winery and spoke at the “Hong Kong – Asia’s Wine and Gourmet Center” luncheon organized by SFETO and supported by the Wine Institute and Napa Valley Vintners in Napa Valley. More than 150 winery and vineyard representatives attended the luncheon when they heard with interest about Hong Kong as the first free wine port among major economies with unparalleled connectivity in Asia. Hong Kong is quickly becoming one of the world’s great wine trading and distribution centers.

Prior to visiting Napa Valley, Mr Tsang met with Dr. Janet Yellen, President of the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank and San Francisco business and financial leaders at a breakfast roundtable at the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank.

[click here to read the full text of Mr. Tsang’s speech at
Napa Valley]

In Los Angeles, Mr Tsang started the day by attending a breakfast roundtable hosted by the Los Angeles Town Hall in conjunction with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco.

During the meeting, the Financial Secretary exchanged views with prominent businessmen in Los Angeles on the global financial crisis and stimulus measures introduced by various governments to tackle the problems.

In the afternoon, Mr Tsang attended a business luncheon in which he talked about Hong Kong’s role as an international financial and trading center. The luncheon attracted 300 participants and also showcased Hong Kong Chef Alvin Leung, owner of a Michelin 2-starred restaurant in Hong Kong. Mr Tsang concluded his visit with a meeting with Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts on Hong Kong Disneyland’s expansion plans.
.