Belgium and Hong Kong look to boost cultural ties with Queen’s visit

Belgium’s Queen Mathilde will kick-off her Asian tour Wednesday when she arrives in Hong Kong for a three-day visit. Although the itinerary for her Majesty and a 300-person Belgian trade delegation will be primarily focused on business and finance, strengthening cultural relations will also be on the agenda.

With her visit coinciding with the 2013 Business of Design Week, of which Belgium is an official sponsor and the event’s official programme boasts a lineup of 18 Belgian speakers from various creative sectors, the countries will explore the possibility of a cultural exchange.

With Hong Kong’s desire to grow its creative and design industries, Mathilde may play a role in organising an exchange of the countries’ exhibitions.

Part of the Queen’s mission will involve Belgium’s participation at the West Kowloon Cultural District, a vibrant location that already plays host to festivals and arts events, and which is set to build a major harbour-front cultural and performing arts centre.