The Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Hong Kong organized a cocktail reception on the October 26th, 2005, celebrating the Czech National Day, which falls on the October 28th. The Honorable Henry Tang, the Financial Secretary, was the guest of honor representing the Hong Kong SAR Government. The event, which was held at the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel, was attended by 140 guests, among them the Honorable Dr. Sarah Liao, the Secretary for Enviroment, Transport and Works, Mr. Fred Lam, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr. Eden Woon, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, other high ranking representatives of the Hong Kong Government, academia, Consular Corps and the Czech community in Hong Kong.

The Czech Consul General, Mr. Rudolf Hykl highlighted in his remarks the high level of bilateral contacts, which the Czech Republic and the Hong Kong SAR enjoy in the recent years, with the visit of the President of the Czech Republic, Mr. Vaclav Klaus, in Hong Kong in 2004 and the visit of Mr. Donald Tsang, in the capacity of the Chief Secretary, in Prague also in 2004. The bilateral trade is expected to grow 30 % in 2005, reaching USD 400 mil.

Mr. Henry Tang, the Financial Secretary, in his speech characterized the Czech Republic as one of the most successful new European Union member countries with a long industrial tradition and a rich cultural heritage. Mr. Tang voiced interest of Hong Kong to develop further the relations with the Czech Republic especially in the trade and investment area. The Czech National Day Reception was graced by a classical music performance of three Czech artists, currently members of the Macao Orchestra.

The Honorable Henry Tang, the Financial Secretary and CG Rudolf Hykl

The guests

The Honorable Dr. Sarah Liao, the Secretary for Enviroment and CG Rudolf Hykl

Classical music performance of three Czech artists