Moscow highly values its exchanges with Hong Kong, Anatoly Kargapolov, consul general of Russia in Hong Kong and Macao SAR, said at a reception celebrating the National Day of Russia, which falls on June 12.
And it is expected that the cultural, trade and economic ties between Russia and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will be further expanded, he told guests on June 11.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, also the 30th anniversary of the reopening of the Russian consulate general in Hong Kong
Addressing the occasion, Paul Lam Ting-kwok, secretary for justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, noted that the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre became in 2019 the first foreign arbitral institution permitted to administer disputes in Russia under Russian law.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, also the 30th anniversary of the reopening of the Russian consulate general in Hong Kong.
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Russian entrepreneurs are ready to cooperate with businesses in Hong Kong and jointly work on investment projects in the city cluster of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in South China, said Kargapolov.
“This and the coming year have been declared as the Years of Culture between Russia and China, more than 230 events will be held within the framework of this initiative in 51 Chinese cities and 38 cities in Russia,” said Kargapolov.
The diverse events will include guest performances of capital and regional theaters, circuses and cinema festivals, museum and library exhibitions, culture and art fairs, as well as sports competitions, he said.
About 60,000 Russian tourists have visited Hong Kong since the beginning of this year. Kargapolov said the next step to develop the relations with Hong Kong should also be expanding cultural connections, and Russian artists can help contribute to the cultural tapestry of Hong Kong by sharing the richness and diversity of Russian culture.
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The reception also invited Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, and Navy Rear Admiral Tan Zhiwei, deputy commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, and Hong Kong former chief executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor. Traditional Russian songs and dances were showcased.
Iren Stewart, director of consultancy and accounting firm Sixes Hong Kong Company, said that she was attracted by the opportunities in Hong Kong and has been doing business in the city for 15 years, with her clients coming not only from Russia but also Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia.
“The Hong Kong government has provided unique opportunities and quality services for businessmen … everything is quite easy in Hong Kong if you follow the rules,” said Stewart, noting there is a clear system and guideline for foreign investors to navigate their business in the city.
