ENG-2013 — Page 348

16

The Media, Communications and Information Technology

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, who visited Brussels and Paris to promote Hong Kong's economic and trade interest in Europe; and the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, who visited Brussels, Florence and Milan to promote Hong Kong as the regional logistics and services hub.

The Brussels ETO organised or co-organised ten business seminars or luncheons in the countries under its purview, and receptions in 11 cities for 1,500 guests to celebrate Chinese New Year. It also supported or organised many arts and cultural events, including hosting its annual Hong Kong Film Panorama in eight European cities, and sponsoring the world- renowned Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy and the Sitges Fantastic Film Festival in Spain, all showcasing Hong Kong's cinema.

Other highlights included supporting a group of young Hong Kong designers, in co-operation with the Hong Kong Ambassadors of Design, to present their fashion-related products under the annual design event 'Design September' in Brussels. The exhibition promoted Hong Kong design to Belgium, the partner country of Business of Design Week 2013 in Hong Kong.

In 2013, the London ETO organised seven visits by HKSAR Government principal officials to the countries under its purview, including visits by the Financial Secretary to Russia in September and to London in November.

During the year, the London ETO organised many business seminars and receptions in countries under its purview to promote Hong Kong as the preferred gateway to China and Asia. The London ETO also organised or supported many arts and cultural events, including festivals showing Hong Kong films and exhibitions in London and Moscow; a theatre performance, a children's choir's concert and the Dragon Boat Festival in London; and Chinese orchestral performances in Russia. The office took part in the City of London Lord Mayor's Show. In addition, for the second time the London ETO staged a competition to encourage UK students to study in Hong Kong.

In 2013, the Berlin ETO organised the visits to Germany of the Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok; the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man; and the Secretary for Transport and Housing.

Besides regular meetings with government officials, business communities and think tanks, the Berlin ETO organised or participated in 17 business seminars and exhibitions during the year and hosted or supported eight arts and cultural events, and 15 receptions to promote Hong Kong. These included film festivals, theatre and concert performances by Hong Kong-based groups, a Chinese cuisine and wine-pairing lunch to promote Hong Kong as Asia's culinary and wine trading centre, and Chinese New Year receptions in countries under the Berlin ETO's purview. The Berlin ETO, working with the Information Services Department and the Hong Kong Tourism Board, sponsored and supported the production of two TV programmes on Hong Kong's latest developments which were screened on German national news channel,

n-tv.

288