Chinese Ambassador highlights Hong Kong’s role in Sino-Canadian relations

Chinese Ambassador highlights Hong Kong’s role in Sino-Canadian relations

China’s ambassador to Canada gave a thought-provoking lecture today (2 February) at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) on the role Hong Kong plays in China’s diplomacy.

The guest lecture was part of a series under the Forum on China’s Diplomacy, which was launched by the Office of the Commissioner of the Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong.

Mr Lu Shumin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Canada, delivered a guest lecture at CityU entitled “Hong Kong’s role in Sino–Canadian relations”. Hosted by the Department of Asian and International Studies of CityU and held at the Wei Hing Theatre, the guest lecture was well attended by University staff, students, alumni, and leading figures from the education, business and professional communities.

Mr Lu gave a brief review of China–Canada relations before looking into the role Hong Kong plays. He told the audience that his 5-day visit had enhanced his understanding of Hong Kong’s full-fledged legal framework, its world-class communications network and its economy, regarded as the world’s freest for its level playing field for all businesses and low taxation. “Hong Kong’s most valuable asset lies with its people—an abundant pool of well-educated professionals,” he added.

He said Hong Kong, with all these advantages and strengths, could play an important role in facilitating stronger economic ties between China and Canada and developing a deeper understanding between the two nations.

In particular, Mr Lu said, helping to expand trade and investment links and spreading Chinese culture were two aspects that Hong Kong could make greater contributions to. “While the momentum of outbound investment in China is building up, Canada, a country rich in natural resources and advanced technology, is an ideal business partner. Hong Kong can bring the two together with its professional expertise, especially in the financial and legal services sectors,” he said.

He added: “As a unique city where Chinese and Western cultures have met and mixed for centuries, Hong Kong is well-positioned to be the bridgehead in spreading authentic Chinese culture abroad.”

In his welcoming remarks, Professor H K Chang, University President, said: “All the students and alumni joining us today share a desire to acquire a global perspective about tomorrow’s world. The presence of Mr Lu not only fulfills the wish of these knowledge-hungry youths but also signifies our foremost efforts to groom a new breed of well rounded, culturally literate professionals.”

Before the guest lecture, Mr Lu took the opportunity to visit CityU’s Chinese Civilisation Centre. He was impressed by the University’s endeavours to instill greater interest in Chinese culture and history among students from all disciplines through the application of information technology.

About Mr Lu Shumin

Mr Lu Shumin joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1976. He served in the embassies of the People’s Republic of China in Canada, Australia and the US. From 1994 to 1998, Mr Lu was Counselor, then Minister Counselor, in the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the US. From 1998 to 2002, he was Director-General of the Department of North American and Oceania Affairs of the Foreign Ministry. From 2002 to 2005, Mr Lu was Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, and since 2005, he has been Ambassador to Canada.

Note to Editors: Photos sent via email

Photo captions:

1.      (file: CCIV): Mr Lu Shumin (2^nd from right) visited CityU’s Chinese Civilization Centre with Professor H K Chang, University President (3^rd from right).

2.      (file: Lecture): Mr Lu (right) gave a guest lecture at CityU.

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