Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto)

Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (HKETO), Ms Emily Mo, attended and spoke at the “Travel with a Touch of Business Class” webinar organised by the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (Greater Toronto Area Section) (HKCBA) on September 29.

In delivering the opening remarks, Ms Mo updated participants on the COVID-19 situation in Hong Kong, as the city is recovering from another wave of pandemic earlier in the summer. “After weeks of concerted efforts by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the community, the situation is under control. Our theme parks, including the Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland, just opened their doors again to receive local visitors under special COVID-control measures,” Ms Mo said.

Looking ahead, Ms Mo said that the HKSAR Government is discussing with several countries to set up travel bubbles and the relevant protocol.

Besides, Ms Mo took the opportunity to address concerns of general and business travellers regarding Hong Kong’s rule of law and freedoms. “The new national security law preserves the security and stability needed for Hong Kong to prosper through preventing and ceasing an extremely small minority of criminals who endanger national security.  The public and travellers can continue to freely engage as usual in international exchanges, academic exchanges and businesses,” Ms Mo clarified.  

“The rule of law as well as the various legitimate rights and freedoms are the fundamental core values of Hong Kong and are much cherished by the government and community,” Ms Mo added.

Before closing, Ms Mo shared with the webinar participants the world's first and largest virtual event dedicated to cities, the “WRLDCTY” to be held from October 22 to 24. Co-hosted by Hong Kong, Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, London and Singapore, the festival will explore all facets of urban life, stewardship and creativity.

Moderated by Executive Editor for Baxter Travel Media, Mr Robert Mowat, the webinar was also joined by other speakers including Hong Kong Trade Development Council Director for Canada, Mr Andrew Yui, Hong Kong Tourism Board Director for Canada, Central & South America, Mr Michael Lim, as well as representatives of Cathay Pacific Airways, BCD Travel and GLP Worldwide.