More kind words coming in for the outgoing InvestHK director. This time from veteran diplomat and former Chilean Consul General Mario Artaza.
Photo: Mario Artaza with Simon Galpin.
During my tenure as Consul General of Chile, Simon Galpin was one of the key players who not only saw the value of Hong Kong undertaking a negotiation process so as to attain a Free Trade Agreement with Chile, its first with a Latin American economy, but stood ready to work alongside his very professional team, so as to garner support from government and business representatives to move forward all initiatives which Chile presented to Hong Kong.
Simon Galpin can be described as smart, always ready for a frank discussion, and honest. Without any doubt, Simon is a professional who foresees opportunities and a friend who inspires trust. Today, as a resident of Hong Kong, I have been quite often making the point on different occasions on the need for Hong Kong to recognize the skillful work led by Simon Galpin during his more than a decade serving with distinction Hong Kong by leading InvestHK. I have been surprised that this recognition, for example through the commendation of a Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS), has not been granted to him.
Simon Galpin is a professional who has given his all to Hong Kong, playing a leading role for Hong Kong to attain a position which in a highly competitive world environment, is not an easy task nor mission to achieve. I am humbled by his true friendship and, moreover, feel he shall be missed as Hong Kong moves forward.
Mario Artaza has held several posts representing the Chilean Government in Asia, including serving as Consul General of Chile in Hong Kong and Macao between 2010 and 2014. He is currently on leave and is now the Chief Representative of Banco Security for the Asian-Pacific region.