Hong Kong eyes hosting Brazil’s national football team at Kai Tak Stadium

Hong Kong hopes to host Brazil’s national football team at Kai Tak Stadium, the city’s finance chief has said as the South American country’s traditional Carnival festival made its debut in the city.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of “Extravaganza! When Brazil Meets Hong Kong” on Friday, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said the event would help to deepen “cross-cultural connections” as he pitched the city as Asia’s events capital.

“I’m glad that this festival has brought energy and joy to communities across the city,” he said. “You are helping to enrich our cultural landscape and deepen cross-cultural connections.”

Chan said that the government was committed to strengthening Hong Kong’s role as Asia’s events capital, as he highlighted a slew of events set to be hosted at the recently opened Kai Tak Stadium.

“More than concerts and rugby, we are welcoming a number of top-class football matches there. I certainly hope we can host the Brazilian national football team sometime soon.”

The three-day cultural festival was launched at AIA Vitality Park on Friday and includes shows by Brazilian dance performers and appearances by top footballers from South America, with national food and drink being served up for the occasion.