Bank chief honoured
Watched by Japan's consul-general in Hong Kong, Takanori Kitamura, banker David Li Kwok-po receives a Japanese government honour yesterday.
Mr Li, Bank of East Asia's chairman and the banking sector's representative in the legislature, was presented with the Order of the Rising Sun, gold rays with neck ribbons, at the consul-general's residence on the Peak.
The consulate cited Mr Li's efforts to improve ties between Hong Kong and Japan.
Mr Li said: 'Our two nations complement each other exceptionally well, not only economically but also in the interface of the rich traditions that we each call our own. Our diversity is something to be celebrated.'
Despite the biggest fallout in decades between Beijing and Tokyo, Mr Li said business ties between China and Japan 'have never been stronger' and had 'helped to improve the welfare of our two peoples'.
He added: 'I look upon this award as a symbol of the friendship and co-operation that exists between the people of Japan, Hong Kong and the mainland.'
