The steadfast economic and trade ties between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the United States were highlighted at a Spring Festival reception on Wednesday in New York.

Maisie Ho, director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, reaffirmed the deepening engagement between the SAR and the US at the reception welcoming the Year of the Horse, which was attended by more than 400 guests from the academic, business, cultural, government, media, non-profit and think tank sectors.

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"The horse symbolizes vitality, resilience and momentum. Galloping into the Year of the Horse, Hong Kong embraces new opportunities with agility and determination,” Ho said at the event.

She noted that, in 2025, the number of American companies in Hong Kong has increased by 11 percent, reflecting continued confidence in the city's open and dynamic business environment.

The latest survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong also showed rising optimism, with most firms planning to maintain or expand their investment in the coming year, Ho said.

“We will continue to transform ourselves amid global shifts, while maintaining our competitive edge as a premier hub for business, finance, trade and innovation, and foster partnerships and global connections worldwide,” she added.

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Ho noted that Hong Kong's economy has shown resilience, with advance estimates projecting GDP growth of 3.5 percent in 2025.

Hong Kong ranked first worldwide in IPO fundraising last year, raising $37.4 billion across 119 listings, including two of the five largest IPOs globally, she said.

Hong Kong is also pressing ahead with the development of the Northern Metropolis to drive innovation-led growth while the city reinforces its position as an international education hub, attracting outstanding students and global talent, while showcasing world-class universities and research excellence, Ho added.

The reception featured a musical program blending elements of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse and Western instruments.

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The pieces were composed by renowned Hong Kong composer Elliot Leung Ho Yat and performed by New York-based young musicians from Hong Kong.

Leung's work will also be featured in the upcoming New York Philharmonic's Lunar New Year Gala, showcasing Hong Kong's creative contributions on the international stage.