RP-Hong Kong Ties Remain Strong
07 June 2005
With our close historic ties as
the anchor and our common desire to build better and more responsive
societies, Philippine-Hong Kong ties remain as strong as ever as we both
strive to break new ground in our relations.
Consul General Corazon L.
Belmonte-Jover, speaking on the eve of the 107th anniversary of
Philippine Independence, expressed optimism that Hong Kong will continue
to be one of the most important trading partners of the Philippines.
“From a few thousand Filipino
expatriates there are now 140,000 Filipinos in Hong Kong with a diversity
of talents and skills, all of whom are eager to contribute positively to
the multicultural dynamic of Hong Kong society, “ Consul General Jover
said. “Hong Kong has been like a second home for the Filipinos and we
acknowledge the efforts of the Hong Kong Government and Community in
welcoming them to its fold.”
For the period 1999-2003,
Philippine trade with Hong Kong expanded by 10.49 percent from US$ 3.17
billion to US$ 4.69 billion. Exports grew by 11.81 percent yearly during
the same period. Imports of goods from Hong Kong likewise grew at an
annual average of 8.22 percent from US$ 1.23 billion to US$1.60 billion in
2003.
Hong Kong likewise remains one
of the most important trading partners of the Philippines. In 2004, Hong
Kong ranked as the sixth largest overall trading partner of the
Philippines, the fourth largest export market, and the 7th
largest import supplier. In terms of our bilateral trade, the Philippines
enjoys a surplus of US$ 1.42 billion dollars due to the strong performance
and demand for our semiconductor components and devices which accounted
for about 74.4% of total export receipts.
As further proof of the strong
commercial ties between the Philippines and Hong Kong, several major
Philippine companies in the finance, transportation, telecommunications,
banking, commercial, consulting, and services sectors have representative
offices in Hong Kong.
“We look forward to an
increased Philippine business presence in Hong Kong cognizant of the
strategic role Hong Kong plays in the region and particularly as a
platform for business expansion in China, “ Consul General Jover said.
“Our government is committed to actively pursuing various means of
strengthening cooperation and exchanges between the Philippines and Hong
Kong in different fields such as in business, finance, the arts, cultural
understanding, education, racial harmony, information technology and other
knowledge-based industries. We hope to pursue this through the different
bilateral frameworks we have established. Among these being Memoranda of
Understanding on Air Services, Tourism Cooperation, and Cultural
Cooperation as well as Agreements covering Mutual Legal Assistance, among
others. “
Meanwhile, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong is gearing up for
the celebration of the 107th anniversary of Philippine Independence with a
line up of activities to be held throughout the month of June.
In close partnership with the Filipino community, the Consulate has
embarked on a series of activities to instill the sense of pride,
patriotism and community spirit among all the Filipinos in Hong Kong.
The first activity to mark Philippine Independence Day in Hong Kong is the
Philippine Tourism Cocktail Reception cum Mini-Travel Mart, which will be
held at the JW Marriott Hotel on 8 June. The event, which is being
organized by the Department of Tourism, Hong Kong Office, aims to promote
the many travel and tourist destinations in the Philippines to the Hong
Kong community. DOT Undersecretary Phineas Alburo will be the guest of
honor and speaker.
The Diplomatic Reception will be held at the JW Marriott Hotel on 10 June
at 6:00 p.m, with Acting Chief Secretary for Administration Michael Suen
as Guest of Honor. The performance of the UST Action Singers Alumni
Ensemble will highlight the Reception.
An open-house will be held on 11 June at the Consulate for the Filipino
community. The gathering was organized by the Consulate and its attached
agencies, namely, DOT, DTI, SSS, Pag-Ibig, OWWA and POLO. The event will
be marked by the reading Independence Day messages of the President and
the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and entertainment numbers.
On June 12, a whole-day celebration will be held at the Chater Garden in
central Hong Kong. The activities for the day include the following:
housing fair, on-the-spot painting competition, regional display contest,
launch of Bantay Bata/International Social Service/Asia on Stage/Consulate
Cooperation, and cultural shows from the Filipino community. At least 56
Filipino community organizations will take part in the activities. The UST
Action Singers Alumni Ensemble will also perform during the occasion.
On 26
June, the championship game of the Palaro ng Konsulado basketball
tournament will be held, with eight teams vying for the Secretary of
Foreign Affairs Cup (Class A champion) and Philippine Consulate General
Cup (Class B champion. The tournament, which is being hosted by the
Consulate for the first time, is co-organized with the Philippine
Guardians Brotherhood, Inc.-Hong Kong chapter to promote friendship and
harmonious relations. END
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