We work hard to expand our contacts and outreach - in recent years we have actively cultivated closer links with South America, the Middle East and Africa. We have expanded our official representation in Europe, with the opening of a new office in Berlin. And, we remain active in the key markets of Europe, North America, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), East Asia and Australia through our network of Economic and Trade Offices.
我们大力拓展对外联系，近年积极与南美、中东和非洲建立更紧密合作关系，并在欧洲增设官方机构，包括在柏林开设新办事处。我们也透过香港经济贸易办事处的网络，继续活跃于欧洲、北美、东南亚国家联盟、东亚和澳洲等主要市场。
We also welcome visits from our overseas counterparts, government and political leaders and opinion formers. Last year for example, more than 100 overseas delegations visited Hong Kong. We are happy to exchange ideas and opinions on all manner of topics, to update friends on Hong Kong's latest developments, and to discuss how we can work together to tackle challenges such as the global financial crisis and the possibility of another economic downturn.
我们也十分欢迎外国政府人员、政界人士和意见领袖访问香港，单以去年计，已有超过一百个海外代表团来港。我们乐于就各项课题彼此交换意见，介绍香港的最新发展，并讨论大家如何合作，解决环球金融危机和经济下行风险带来的种种挑战。
Ladies and gentlemen, there is nothing better than personal contact to foster deeper friendships and greater understanding between governments and with international organisations. And that is why your presence in Hong Kong is so warmly welcomed and treasured - because you provide the personal touch that helps Hong Kong to keep in touch with the rest of the world. Long may it continue!
各位，要加深政府及国际组织之间的友谊和了解，没有什么比亲身接触更有效。我们欢迎并重视领事团驻港工作，因为这些亲身接触有助香港与世界联系起来。祝愿我们友谊永固。
Thank you very much.
谢谢。
