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Hong Kong could offer Russian businessmen "value-added connectivity" through unrivalled access to China - the largest and most dynamic market the world had ever seen, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Frederick Ma, said in St Petersburg, Russia, today (September 28).
Speaking at a seminar entitled "Hong Kong: Connecting You to a Wealth of Opportunities" organised by the Trade Development Council, Mr Ma said Hong Kong's high degree of economic autonomy under the "One Country, Two Systems", and strategic position under the "Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement" with Mainland China had given rise to this unrivalled "value-added connectivity" that would benefit overseas partners setting up operations in Hong Kong.
Mr Ma arrived at St Petersburg together with a high-level trade delegation yesterday (September 27) after beginning a host of "Hong Kong Week" programmes in Moscow, including the "Style Hong Kong in Moscow" mega trade show and gala night organised by the TDC. While in the Russia capital, Mr Ma and key delegates have held meetings with business leaders as well as Deputy Chairman of the Bank of Russia Mr Viktor Melnikov.
In St Petersburg, Mr Ma and TDC Executive Director Mr Fred Lam briefed local media to promote better understanding about Hong Kong's economic advantages. Apart from speaking on potential trade growth between Hong Kong and Russia, Mr Ma also encouraged more co-operation on the tourism sector.
He also presented the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra's first concert in St Petersburg at the State Academic Capella last night.
Mr Ma will have a meeting with the Vice-Governor of the St Petersburg City Government, Mr Mikhail Osseevsky as well as a networking luncheon with major industry leaders and representatives of the St Petersburg City Centre for Co-operation with Asia Pacific.
Mr Ma and the delegation will return to Hong Kong on Sunday (September 30).
Ends/Friday, September 28, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:45
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