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Over 350 top business executives and government leaders from all over the world gather in Hong Kong today (September 21) for the fourth annual Forbes Global CEO Conference to discuss current events, the global economy and the most important issues facing businesses under the theme "The Connected World".

Invest Hong Kong is the host sponsor of this event. This is the second time that the conference - one of the most prestigious global business events - is being held in Hong Kong.

The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Mike Rowse, welcomed all participants to Hong Kong. He said, "We are pleased to see the return of the world's top CEOs to Hong Kong. With the overwhelming number of participants visiting our city from the region, Europe and North America, we are certain that this year's Conference, like the one held in Hong Kong two years ago, will be another great success."

"The conference taking place in our city reinforces Hong Kong as an international business centre where leaders exchange ideas and make important decisions."

"Major high-profile international business events such as the Forbes CEO Conference provide excellent platforms to demonstrate our city's attractiveness as a prime investment destination to business decision-makers worldwide," he said.

On the conference's first evening, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, will make welcoming remarks. The Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Huang Huahua, will also deliver remarks.

At "A Meeting of Minds" session, a discussion on the global impact of the US elections will be moderated by the President, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes, Mr Steve Forbes.

At the three-day conference, business and political leaders will share their insights on crucial issues affecting the global marketplace in various themed sessions. Topics include the global economy, off-shoring, global branding, trends in transport and tourism, corporate governance and social responsibility, trade policies, the private sector in China, the CEO and technology and developing global cities.

The Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr John Tsang, will participate in a panel on "Developing global cities: the road map to 'hub' status" at the closing lunch on September 23. He will discuss Hong Kong's role as a regional hub and a two-way platform for investment and trade.

Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's department charged with attracting and facilitating inward foreign investment into the city by providing companies all the support they need to establish or expand their business presence here.

Ends/Tuesday, September 21, 2004

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