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Hong Kong has been ranked the 5th most competitive economy in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2022 by the International Institute for Management Development. It continued to rank favourably for government and business efficiency. The city continued to rank top in business legislation and was in the top three in public finance, tax policy and international investment.  More information.

A pilot immigration facilitation scheme has been launched to allow visitors to Hong Kong to take part in short-term activities (14 days) in certain sectors and receive remuneration, without the need to apply for a visa or an employment permit.  More information. 

Continuing to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR by bringing the message of "A New Era - Stability • Prosperity • Opportunity" to Europe, HKETO, Brussels held the Hong Kong Seminar in Europe 2022 followed by a luncheon in Lisbon.  More information

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In this issue: HKSAR's 25th Anniversary celebrations - Chief Executive-elect John Lee starts a new chapter for Hong Kong - New M+ Museum: a distinctive and innovative voice - Arbitration: opening of AALCO - A Global I&T centre in the making - Our business and cultural activities...

Two vintage trams decorated in the colours of the 25th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) are circulating in Milan.  Similarly-decorated trams will circulate in Lisbon and Istanbul this summer. More HKSAR 25th Anniversary events.

HKETO, Brussels was one of the main sponsors of the event, which attracted over 20 Dragon Boat teams from around the world. Apart from participating in the competitions, visitors could experience the fun of the sport by rowing in the dragon boat sponsored by HKETO, Brussels.  More information.

HKETO, Brussels and Create Hong Kong are supporting the participation of seven Hong Kong films in the 14th CinemAsia Film Festival in Amsterdam. Longman Leung’s biographical drama "Anita", depicting the life of iconic canto pop star Anita Mui will open the Festival on 10 May. More information.   

Mr John Lee Ka-chiu obtained 1416 valid "support" votes, more than the 750 valid "support" votes required in the Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive election on 8 May 2022. Mr Lee and the new line-up of Principal Officials will assume office on 1 July 2022.  Mr Lee was appointed Secretary for Security in July 2017 and Chief Secretary for Administration in June 2021. He tendered his resignation on 6 April 2022 to stand for the Chef Executive Election.  More information.

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Non-Hong Kong residents will be allowed to fly into Hong Kong from 1 May 2022 under the same rules as Hong Kong residents in terms of COVID-19 vaccination, pre-departure testing and “test-and-hold” on arrival followed by quarantine in a designated hotel.  The flight suspension mechanism for airlines will also be adjusted.  More information.

HKETO, Brussels is supporting the Far East Film Festival in Udine, which is screening "Making Waves – Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema", a programme of 13 works by new Hong Kong filmmakers.  More information.

The Blue Lotus Gallery in Hong Kong is presenting "Hong Kong Calling", a brief history of Hong Kong from 1950 until today through various photography projects by Hong Kong based artists including Fan Ho, Greg Girard, Ian Lambot, Keith Macgregor, Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze, Marcel Heijnen, Christopher Button and Tugo Cheng.  More information.

Angela Su’s thought-provoking new videowork "The Magnificent Levitation Act of Lauren O" is the centrepiece of her exhibition in the Hong Kong Pavilion at the 54th Art Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia.  Pioneer of the use of titanium in art, Wallace Chan is presenting his sculpture exhibition "Totem" at the Fondaco Marcello.  More information.

The Offscreen Film Festival in Brussels is presenting a special programme of 18 Hong Kong films. In addition to some classics, it will be a rare opportunity to see some extraordinary films from the 1980s and 1990s that were given a Category III classification because they were considered shocking and sensational. An international conference on the topic will also be held on 12 March.  More information.

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, unveiled the 2022-23 Budget on 23 February 2022.  Initiatives focus on four main areas: the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic; relieving the hardship of people and businesses; rendering support to the struggling economy and fostering a post-epidemic economic revival; and investing for the future by planning ahead for the development of the economy.  More.

The Dublin International Film Festival will screen Lim Chung Man's documentary, "Keep Rolling", about one of Hong Kong's most critically-acclaimed filmmakers. Immersed in Hong Kong's East-meets-West culture, Ann Hui has made award-winning films exploring social issues over a career spanning 40 years. More information.

A progressive vision for the arts is leading Hong Kong to the forefront of the international art world. The city's scene is flourishing, with international galleries and exhibitions, younger art spaces showing edgy work by emerging artists, auctions and growing interest in digital art. The West Kowloon Cultural District with its new museums will be an important centre for cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.  More.