This year also marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Israeli Consulate General in Hong Kong.
Ambassador Amikam Levy said that the mission in Hong Kong was to bring together the relative advantages of China, Hong Kong and Israel (and the world) in order to create a common successful business by connecting the Chinese market power, and financial strength, with Israeli innovation and R&D. He also said that Israel considered the Government of the HKSAR its unique partner here.
Guest of Honour, the Chief Secretary of Administration Henry Tang said in his speech that, “Israel is Hong Kong's 2nd largest trading partner in the Middle East. Last year, bilateral trade exceeded HK$26.3 billion (US$3.4 billion). That represents a more than 30% (approx. 31.5%) increase compared to 2009. And in just the first 3 months of this year – 2011 -- our bilateral trade jumped more than 48% (48.6%) year on year.”
The Consulate General in cooperation with EL Al Israel Airlines brought from Israel specially for the reception, a unique exhibition of pictures depicting the history of El Al Israel Airlines.
EL AL Israel Airlines, considered the most secure company in the world, was founded 63 years ago as the national carrier of the State of Israel. Some 95% of its pilots are former combat pilots in Israel Defence Force, a uniqueness that has contributed to the quality of the flights.