Christmas message from the Consul General 2023
Christmas message from the Consul General 2023
Dear Friends,
On behalf of myself, my husband Ton, and my colleagues in the Consulate, I would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and joyful year ahead.
2023 was an eventful year for the Consulate. My predecessor David Costello bid a fond farewell and I was honoured to succeed him as the first female Consul General of Ireland to Hong Kong and Macao. I want to take this opportunity to thank my Consulate team, Enterprise Ireland in HK, the Irish community and all the wonderful friends and partners of Ireland in Hong Kong that we have met so far for giving Ton and I such a wonderful, warm welcome.
In 2023 the Consulate delivered a wide range of activities throughout the year as we reconnected with our stakeholders in Hong Kong and Macao post-pandemic. Since my arrival it has been a busy and productive time. I have been working hard to engage with as many key contacts and partners of the Consulate as possible. If only there were more hours in the day!
While I cannot list all of the excellent engagements I have had since my arrival, some highlights include:
- Meeting with His Excellency, Chief Executive of HKSAR Government, John Lee Ka-chiu, for an introductory call where we discussed a range of topics including the importance of people-to-people connections between Ireland and Hong Kong.
- Visiting Macao and meeting with both His Excellency, Chief Executive of Macao SAR Government, Ho Lat Seng, and the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the Macao SAR, Liu Xianfa. Both meetings were a great opportunity to talk about how to further strengthen the Ireland-Macao relationship.
- Marking the launch of the Government of Ireland’s updated strategy for the Asia Pacific region: “Global Ireland: Delivering in the Asia Pacific Region to 2025” with a reception for key stakeholders.
- Working closely with the EU Office in Hong Kong as Ireland celebrated 50 years of EU membership in 2023. Some engagements throughout the year included “EU Speak Dating” event, “EU Beach Cleaning” to mark the International Coastal Cleanup Day 2023, and co-hosting a film screening event to commemorate Human Rights Day 2023, which marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- Hosting an economic breakfast briefing for partners in the Financial sector on the occasion of the visit to Hong Kong of both the Chief Economic and the Director of Funding and Debt Management from the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA).
- Welcoming renowned Irish singer Fr. Ray Kelly to Hong Kong for an excellent performance at the Hymnos Festival 2023.
- Attending the Longines Hong Kong International Races 2023 at Sha Tin, where there were four Irish entries, trained by Aidan O'Brien.
- Participating in various valuable business events hosted by the Irish Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise Ireland, Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. I am proud to work with Enterprise Ireland and our other Team Ireland in China colleagues to promote Ireland as a great place to work, live, study, visit and invest.
In 2024, the Consulate will celebrate 10 years since we opened our doors in Hong Kong. We have set ourselves ambitious targets for 2024 within the framework of the Government’s updated Asia Pacific Strategy to develop political and economic partnerships, underpinned by our values and interests; to continue to provide excellent services to our Irish Community in Hong Kong and Macao; to showcase Ireland as a modern, diverse, inclusive, creative and innovative country; and to work together collaboratively with Team Ireland in China and key local partners including especially the EU Office in Hong Kong. We are planning a programme of cultural offerings for our 10th anniversary including around St. Brigid’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day, and support for Irish participation in a variety of Hong Kong cultural festivals throughout the year. Please look out for further details throughout the year.
Finally, sincerest thanks to all friends of Ireland in Hong Kong and Macao for your wonderful and valued support in 2023. I look forward to working and engaging with you fruitfully in 2024. Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and happy Festive Season.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 聖誕快樂,並賀新禧!
Jennifer Bourke
Consul General of Ireland to Hong Kong and Macao