University students show keen interest in Hong Kong
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January 27, 2012 - The university students joining the Chinese New Year reception in New York today (January 27, New York Time) have expressed keen interest in Hong Kong and the work by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETO), and the HKETO will engage them in various activities and events of interest to them in future.
Held by the HKETO for the first time for university students, the reception was attended by more than 80 students from eight universities. They came from Columbia University, Fashion Institute of Technology, Hunter College, New York University, Penn State University, Princeton University, St. John’s University and The New School.
During the reception, Director of HKETO, Ms Anita Chan, (pictured) gave an update on the vigorous economic performances of the city, and briefed the attendees on the roles, functions and activities of the HKETO.
Ms Chan said that Hong Kong’s economy rebounded strongly from the financial tsunami of 2009 and the GDP last year was expected to grow by about 5%. She added that the job market was robust with the latest jobless rate of 3.3 percent. There are about 7,000 non-Hong Kong companies in the city, with over 1,300 from the USA, the largest foreign contingent.
In 2011, the Hong Kong Cup Chinese Speech Contest was held for the first time to foster a greater understanding of Hong Kong among the university students. The three winners, Kyle Ofori, Nathaniel Jones and Michael Becker all attended the reception and shared their experience with their peers.
Ms Chan said that to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region this year, HKETO will hold the Hong Kong Cup Chinese Speech Contest in October 2012. She encouraged the students to participate.
Mr Henry Wan, Chairman of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York, also spoke about the history of the Festival, which will enter the 22nd year in 2012, and urged the students to take part by volunteering or forming contest teams.