(From left) Consul General of Argentina to Hong Kong and Macao Gonzalo Sabate, Argentine Ambassador to China Sabino Vaca Narvaja and Deputy Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Cheung Kwok-kwan share a toast at a reception celebrating the National Day of Argentina in Kowloon on July 19.  (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Argentina is looking forward to the next 50 years of friendship with China and its Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions as the country spurs global growth, Argentine diplomats said at a reception in Kowloon celebrating their National Day.

Argentine Ambassador to China Sabino Vaca Narvaja said that based on bilateral agreements and expectations, further exchanges can be explored in trade and investments, and infrastructure and mineral resources development, as well as cultural aspects such as tourism, sports, and the arts.  

Argentina and China marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in 2022 when President Alberto Fernandez visited Beijing. Argentina joined the Belt and Road Initiative the same year.

Asia, China and the Hong Kong SAR are very important partners for Argentina in economic and international affairs, the ambassador said while addressing the reception.

Their complementary economies have great potential for mutual development with Hong Kong as a reliable bridge, according to Consul General of Argentina to Hong Kong and Macao Gonzalo Sabate.

Deputy Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Cheung Kwok-kwan addresses the reception on July 19. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Deputy Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Cheung Kwok-kwan noted that there is great potential for Hong Kong to provide financial, logistical, legal and cultural services as Argentina expands ties with the SAR and China as a whole. 

It takes two to tango, Cheung said, and driven by the Belt and Road Initiative and supported by mutual appreciation, Hong Kong and Argentina can grow in tandem with closer exchanges.

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As Hong Kong is growing into a cultural hub of Asia and the world apart from other functions, Cheung said Argentina artists and performers are welcome to join hands here for mutual development. 

He praised Argentine wines’ popularity in the whole of China, as well as Chinese fans cheering for Argentinian footballers competing in the World Cup and in friendly matches in the mainland. 

Executive Producer and Director of Ace Hero Films and Entertainment Silvester See said his company is welcoming Argentine artists to join projects which highlight diversity in social and cultural development. 

The Argentine reception for National Day features a brief tango performance by artists on July 19. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Tourism is also ready to boom. Alex Lee, General Manager of Miramar Travel, said trips to Argentina are among the fastest growing markets in the world, with its stupendous Iguazu Falls, glacier national parks, and heritage sites. 

Miramar Travel has mapped out group tours ranging from 13 to 28 days to Argentina as well as Brazil, Peru and Uruguay among others.

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He noted that the South American trips are extending from the silver-hair groups to younger people, especially for longer holiday takers. He also thanked the cooperative efforts of Argentine consulate general, Emirates Group and LATAM Airlines.

Ambassador Vaca Narvaja said direct flights are on the agenda to upgrade links.

And in Hong Kong, special summer treats of Argentine cuisine are on offer at the Mira Hong Kong, said Alexander Wasserman, head of Hotels & Service Apartments at Miramar Group.