3rd June, 2008 Macau

To celebrate the 62^nd anniversary of the Republic of Italy, the Italy National Day Cocktail was held today by the Consulate General of Italy, Italian Trade Commission and Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre. Meanwhile, an opening ceremony was also conducted during the cocktail to mark the start of a 6-month long Italian Festival which will take place at the Tower.

The National Day Cocktail took place at the Macau Tower Banquet Hall in the presence of the Honorable Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region, Consul General of Italy Alessandro De Pedys, Italian Trade Commissioner Romano Baruzzi, Executive Chairman of Shun Tak Holdings Limited Dr. Stanley Ho, Chairman of Macau Tower Pansy Ho, representatives from the General Affairs Office and the Department of Consular Affairs, Office of the Commission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in Macao SAR, high-ranking government officials and close to 200 distinguished guests and press.

Italian Festival 2008
The cocktail was followed by the opening of the Italian Festival, an annual event run by the Italian Trade Commission that travels around the world to promote the 'Made in Italy' label. In its 8th edition, the Festival arrives at the bustling Macau for the first time, showcasing a variety of famous Italian brands and products under a unique monthly theme from September to December 2008.

In September, Macau Tower will be serving authentic Italian cuisines while guests enjoy the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest adjacent to Nam Van Lake. Alfresco wine and dining options will be available, with the presence of a renowned guest chef from Italy. In October, a multimedia exhibition entitled 'All you need to know about white truffle - the Mozart of mushrooms!' will be unveiled to introduce the history and characteristics of the precious white truffle before it is auctioned off. Special white truffle menus will also be featured in selected Macau Tower restaurants.

The month of November will witness the Macau Grand Prix and an equally exciting race car exhibition at Macau Tower. Highlight models from the likes of Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Fiat and Maserati will be displayed. In December, the Tower will host a multi-brand exhibition of authentic Italian products including fashion, furniture, jewellery and art pieces. Under a Christmas atmosphere, cultural performances will also be held over weekends for family fun as the Festival comes to a close.

Long regarded a gathering hub for the world's trend-setters, Italy has consistently produced exciting products from fashion and cars to cuisine and wine to capture our imagination. With the burgeoning consumer markets in the Pearl River Delta, more and more Italian brands are now looking to gain exposure and recognition in Macau and Mainland China. In particular, Macau as one of China's prominent gateways to the world has formed close economic and trade links with Italy, as shown by the range of Italian brand labels available. Strengthening Italian-Macau commercial ties through network development and market expansion is an imminent priority, a vision shared by the Italian Festival.

Ms. Pansy Ho, Chairman of Macau Tower, spoke of her delight in hosting the meaningful event. 'With the city transforming into a truly international destination, and Macau fast-becoming a preferred gateway to the enormous potentials of the Mainland market, we believe the Italian Festival 2008 will bring about great opportunities and benefits to all trades.' Italian Trade Commissioner Romano Baruzzi agreed with Pansy's view. 'With the magnificent 6-month campaign, the public will gain a deeper understanding of the philosophy, value and successful stories of the Italian brands. Eventually, more businesses between Hong Kong, Macau and Italy will be established.'

 

For media enquiries:

Corporate Communications, Shun Tak Holdings Limited
Andy Lau	Corporate Communications Assistant	Tel: (852) 2859 3187
Eric Yau	Corporate Communications Assistant	Tel: (852) 2859 8657
Karen Lee	Sr Corporate Communications Manager	Tel: (852) 2859 4823