Hello, my name is Hitoshi Noda, and I am pleased to be taking up my new post as Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong.     During my term of office, besides working hard to better ensure the safety and security of all Japanese residents living here, I will also serve to do my utmost in facilitating the various kinds of exchange, and further promoting mutual understanding, between Japan and Hong Kong and Japan and Macau.   Both Hong Kong and Macau are themselves important local communities, and in view of the remarkable progress shown by China in the international scene, both places are also becoming increasingly important in terms of their role in Sino-Japanese relations.   Last year marked the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China. And while Hong Kong is now playing an even more active role in Japan-China business relations, it is also fulfilling its role as a hub of business activity and as an international financial centre. In this way, Hong Kong is continuing to exhibit its dual development as both an important global city in its own right and as a constituent part of China.   At the same time, the development of Macau’s tourism and casino industry, and the utilization of its “World Heritage” sites, has been attracting a lot of overseas tourists including many from Japan. And I am sure that the resulting smooth development of Macau’s economy is something that we should expect to continue for some time to come.   There are a great many Japanese companies that operate in Hong Kong and Macau, while contributing to the regional economy, and I will spare no effort in offering my support to these enterprises in the pursuit of their business activities.   Moreover, the most important part of my mission as Consul-General is to provide assistance to Japanese residents living in Hong Kong and Macau, as well as to Japanese tourists who are visiting here. To this end, we wish to further upgrade our consular services, and strengthen the measures we have in place to ensure safety and security, so that in the future we continue to be a Consulate-General that all Japanese residents and visitors can rely on.   Though issues and challenges exist between Japan and China, in the broader perspective of the mutually beneficial relationship, based on common strategic interests, between these two neighbouring countries, Japan and China have to achieve mutual understanding and co-operate while continuing to develop. And I firmly believe that the close ties between Japan and the Hong Kong and Macau regions can certainly play an important role in strengthening the Sino-Japanese relationship.   I promise that I will put every effort into accomplishing the above objectives and fulfilling my assignment here to the best of my ability. And I can assure you that your guidance, co-operation and support will be both welcomed and greatly appreciated.     Hitoshi NODA   Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong (Ambassador)   April 2013 (upon taking up the post as Consul-General)