Adelaide offers Hong Kong a cute gift

26 2 2010

South Australian Premier Mike Rann has announced the state will present two koalas to the people of Hong Kong.

The February 10 announcement was welcomed by the Director of the Hong Kong and Economic Trade Office, Ms Lorna Wong, who says the gift is a strong symbol of friendship.

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Mr John C Tsang also welcomed the gift from the South Australian Government. "I wish to express my sincere thanks to the people and Government of South Australia for presenting two koalas to us and entrusting Ocean Park to take care of these animals which are the national icon of Australia," he said .

"Ocean Park, with its extensive experience and expertise in handling both marine and land animals, would provide a healthy habitat for the koalas which would arrive within two years.

In her official address at the reception, Ms Wong said South Australia enjoyed a close relationship with Hong Kong on many fronts, including reciprocal visits by senior officials from both sides over the past two years.

She added that South Australia ha become Australia's leading wine exporter to Hong Kong – a major boost for both economies despite the global financial crisis.

"Australia is now our second largest supplier and in April last year Hong Kong and Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation on Wine - our first with a new world wine country," Ms Wong said.

Ms Wong said that Australia had the largest number of exhibitors (65) in the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair last November, and would be the partner country for the fair this November.

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