Asia IP

The economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and the United States grew from strength to strength last year, with more direct flights, bumper trade and co-operation in combating tax evasion, said Clement Leung, the Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs last week at the Chinese New Year Reception organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY).

Leung said that international airlines opened new direct flights to Seattle, Dallas/Fort Worth and Newark, adding that Cathay Pacific Airways will launch its inaugural direct flight from Hong Kong to Boston in May. 

Hong Kong imported US$40 billion worth of the US goods last year, and improved access for the US agricultural products made the city the most open market for the US beef in Asia.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong and the US concluded agreements to combat tax evasion. 

Also speaking at the occasion, the Director of HKETONY, Steve Barclay, said aside from promoting closer economic, investment and trade ties, his office also aims to foster cultural ties between Hong Kong and the 31 eastern states. 

He highlighted the first collaboration with the Yale-China Association to bring two promising Hong Kong artists to Yale University on a fellowship program. Parry Ling, a relational artist, and Hao Yang, a choreographer-dancer, are currently on a six-month residency at Yale University in Connecticut.

Barclay said the office would organise a week-long "Spotlight Hong Kong" exhibition at the Time Warner Center from February 25.The exhibition will focus on Hong Kong's vibrant mix of East-meets-West culture - from cultural heritage, creative and film industries to performing arts.