HARDLY a day goes by without some mention by the media of the word ''Maastricht'' in The Netherlands.
So, what is so great about this city? A glance at a map of The Netherlands will show Maastricht is tucked away in a remote corner of the country. But, on closer examination, it will show that the city is at the heart of one of the most densely populated regions of Western Europe, with 50 million people living within a radius of 200 kilometres.
And what is more special? One can even study to become an interpreter of Chinese in this city's translation institute. Maastricht, which is known as a centre for education and science, has a conservatoire, two art schools, a drama academy, a hotel and catering college. Its recently established University of Limburg commands international respect in the field of medical science.
According to Mr Peter Bruls, Rotterdam's representative in Hongkong, since the Treaty of Maastricht, concluded after the meeting at this city by the council of Europe in December 1991, the name of Maastricht has been widely publicised by the media.
''Maastricht is entirely different from the stereotype perception that people have of The Netherlands,'' he said.
Maastricht, the oldest city in The Netherlands, which escaped the destruction during World War I and World War II, is now one of the hottest holiday destinations. It offers visitors carnivals, jazz festivals, street parades and other cultural events as away of life.