French Flair
A GRAND COCKTAIL PARTY WAS HELD IN CELEBRATION OF FRENCH NATIONAL DAY FOR A GROUP OF DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
More than 900 of Hong Kong’s Francophiles gathered in the Bauhinia Room of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for the annual French National Day cocktail reception—and to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and the People’s Republic of China. It was a beautiful afternoon as the sun poured in through the floor-to-ceiling windows and guests were in good spirits for the well-organised sunset-hour event.
The cocktail party kicked off with speeches by French Consul General Arnaud Barthélémy and Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying. Both men spoke of the continuous growth of the French community in Hong Kong and stressed its dynamic effect on the realms of business and culture. They raised a toast to the friendship between Hong Kong and France—and the room roared with applause. The event provided a perfect opportunity for guests to mix and mingle and catch up with their friends and acquaintances before heading off on their summer holidays. Many of Hong Kong’s biggest names were in attendance, including Victor and Irene Chu, Chee-chen Tung and Esther Ma.