It is indeed a matter of immense pleasure to convey my best wishes and greetings on the occasion of the Exhibition “Peace and Harmony – The Divine Spectra of China's Fragrant Harbour, with 108 Aloes of Sacred Scripture and Related Artifacts” organized jointly by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong SAR and Chinese World Cultural Heritage Foundation. I particularly wish to thank Mr. Paul Kan of Champion Technology along with other organizers and sponsors for presenting this third edition of Exhibition in the “Peace and Harmony” series.

I am very happy to know that the Exhibition is being organized as a part of the programme of the World Cultures Festival – Enchanting Arts of Asia. The Exhibition will duly showcase the unique collection of aloe, the world's most valuable type of wood that has been used in incense, essential oils, art works and ornaments as well as medicine, since ancient times. It will definitely provide a clear understanding of the key role that scents, spices and silk have played over the years in the development of world history and international relations.

I am quite sure the Exhibition will go a long way in promoting cultural bondage between Hong Kong and other countries. I am glad to mention that the ancient trade route Silk Road also connected Bangladesh with great Chinese civilization and I hope the Exhibition will also provide a fresh boost in the traditional cultural linkage between our two regions.

I wish the Exhibition a grand success.