Latin fever is expected to sweep through Hong Kong from Oct. 18 to November 20 as seven Latin American consulate generals in Hong Kong jointly launched as of Tuesday the second Latin America Festival.

Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela are expected to bring to Hong Kong a serial of cultural and art activities for the annual event.

What's more, the successful festival debut last year has led the Hong Kong's Leisure and Cultural Services Department to orchestrate its first-ever Latin Passion Festival, which will run concurrently with Latin America 2005.

Both these festivals collectively boast a packed entertainment line-up from top-notch international musicians and dancers to art, film and food galas, offering Hong Kong residents and visitors many opportunities to experience the extraordinary sights, sounds and tastes of Latin America.

Mario Leal, consul general of Mexico in Hong Kong, said at the festival opening ceremony Tuesday evening that the festival is aimed at strengthening the relations between the two continents, raising appreciation of different Latin American cultures and also encourage both Hong Kong and Latin American people to travel and explore the wonders of each participating countries.

He told Xinhua that the trade volume of each of the seven Latin American countries all witnessed growth to different extents since the holding of last festival.

Taking Mexico for instance, though his country still have trade deficit with Hong Kong, the export volume has a remarkable growth in the past year, adding there is still much room for improvement.

He said the fact that the Latin America festival becomes an annual event is also an evidence of a closer Latin American-HK ties.

Source: Xinhua