Contact: Jim Laird
The top U.S.-based trade representative from one of Asia's primary commercial gateways speaks Wednesday [Jan. 23] at Jackson's Executive Lecture Forum.
"Strengthening the Bond of Friendship, Investment and Trade Relations, and Cooperation between Hong Kong and the U.S." is the title of a noon luncheon presentation by Donald Tong, Hong Kong commissioner for economic and trade affairs USA. The luncheon takes place at the Fairview Inn in the historic Belhaven neighborhood.
Tong directs his government's efforts in promoting economic and trade ties with the U.S. He also oversees the activities of offices in Washington, New York and San Francisco.
The Janos Radvanyi Chair in International Security Studies at Mississippi State University coordinates the forum.
Gov. Phil Bryant and the Mississippi Development Authority are hosting Tong and the Hong Kong delegation during their visit to the state.
As with all ELF events, the lunchtime program is not open to the general public but is open to all interested members of the news media. For their convenience after concluding his formal remarks, Tong will participate in a press conference at the Jackson location.
Following his Jackson visit, Tong travels to the MSU campus in Starkville to meet with senior administrators and researchers.
On campus, he will lead a lecture to students titled "U.S.-Hong Kong Partnerships from Strength to Strength." Open to all, that 4 p.m. address takes place in the Colvard Student Union's Fowlkes Auditorium.
A reception given by MSU and the Golden Triangle Development Link follows the lecture. Leaders of area businesses and industries, as well as local elected officials, have been invited to learn more about developing partnerships with Hong Kong and other trade and investment opportunities, according to Melvin Ray, associate vice president for economic development.
Additionally, Tong will tour several MSU research facilities, including the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, MSU Energy Institute, High Performance Computing Collaboratory, and the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park.
Thursday [the 24th], he meets privately with area business leaders during a luncheon given by the Golden Triangle Development Link at East Mississippi Community College's Mayhew Campus. At the Mayhew event, he will be available to the media 2:30-3:30 p.m. For interviews, contact, in advance, Min Xiong at min.xiong@sozonet.com or 202-431-2606.
In Jackson, reporters and others planning to cover the luncheon should contact, also in advance, Tan Tsai at 662-325-4062 or 325-8406.
The Office of Research and Economic Development and the MSU International Institute are sponsors of his MSU visit and lecture. For additional information about this portion of Tong's visit, contact Lokesh Shivakumaraiah at 662-325-8632 or ls10@msstate.edu.