Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu speaks at a reception to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China hosted by Hong Kong’s culture and arts communities on Oct 5, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG - The cultural and artistic community in Hong Kong held a reception on Thursday to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Noting that the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) offers support for developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee Ka-chiu said that the HKSAR government is actively seizing the infinite opportunities brought by the development strategies of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Belt and Road Initiative, and other national initiatives.

The reception was attended by HKSAR government officials, representatives from central government agencies in Hong Kong, foreign consuls in Hong Kong, and over 400 Hong Kong culture and art figures

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The aim is to showcase the unique charm of Chinese culture to the world and demonstrate the vibrant energy of Hong Kong's blend of Chinese and Western cultures, he said in a speech at the reception.

Ma Fung-kwok, chairman of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member Association, said it is hoped that the industry can enhance its understanding of China's historical and cultural heritage, leverage stronger innovation and creative abilities, better grasp communication and dissemination skills, and bolster cultural confidence.

By producing more impressive works and quality content, the sector can contribute to enhancing the country's cultural soft power and shoulder the new cultural mission of the new era, Ma said.

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The reception was attended by HKSAR government officials, representatives from central government agencies in Hong Kong, foreign consuls in Hong Kong, and over 400 Hong Kong culture and art figures.