*******************************************************
The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Canada, Mr Bassanio So, today (September 21, Halifax time) met with Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly to discuss different means to forge business links between Hong Kong, Halifax and other key cities in Canada's maritime provinces.
Mr So told Mayor Kelly that he had detected growing interest among companies in Atlantic Canada to expand their market to China since his last meeting with the Mayor about a year ago. He cited the example of the China-based China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) signing an agreement with the Port of Halifax to further develop sea trade between China and the eastern part of Canada.
On the business relationship between Hong Kong and Canada, the HKETO Director mentioned that business people in Nova Scotia had conducted a very successful trade mission to Hong Kong and China last fall, noting that another Halifax trade delegation would be going to Guangzhou later this year. "Such a trend indicates that companies in Atlantic Canada have a very strong interest in expanding to the Hong Kong and China market," he said.
Mr So also extended an invitation to the Mayor, inviting him to visit Hong Kong to witness its development since the changeover and its economic integration with south China.
Prior to the meeting with Mayor Kelly, the HKETO Director spoke at a business seminar on the topic, "Latest Opportunities in Hong Kong and China", talking about the advantages of using Hong Kong as a platform to enter the China market. The seminar attracted representatives from more than 70 companies in Halifax.
Yesterday, Mr So met with Nova Scotia's Minister of Economic Development, Mr Richard Hurlburt, to update him on Hong Kong's latest initiatives in developing its information technology and biotechnology.
Ends/Friday, September 22, 2006
Issued at HKT 10:51
NNNN
