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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau, said today (April 25) that the HKSAR Government would continue to work with the relevant Mainland authorities and take measures to support Hong Kong enterprises on the Mainland and help them open up the Mainland domestic market.
Speaking at a domestic market business matching forum at the 105th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, Mrs Lau said the global economic downturn had led to the shrinkage of the traditional export markets. Following the Central Government¡¦s announcement to expand internal demands, many Hong Kong enterprises on the Mainland were keen to tap the Mainland's domestic market.
She said the HKSAR Government was concerned about the difficulties faced by Hong Kong's enterprises under the current economic condition. The government had been keeping close contacts with the Ministry of Commerce to reflect views of Hong Kong's entrepreneurs with the aim of
helping them explore domestic market on the Mainland.
"We are grateful to the Ministry of Commerce for attaching great importance to the views of Hong Kong¡¦s business sector, and taking prompt follow up action by orgainsing this forum within a short time," Mrs Lau said.
"Over 100 Hong Kong companies participated in today's forum. Their
products ranged from gifts, textiles and garments to consumer goods, home decorations and office supplies. It showed that various sectors were all keen on exploring the Mainland market.
"I hope that more similar events would be held in the future. Such events will not only give impetus to the Mainland's domestic market, but also help pave the way for Hong Kong's enterprises to enter the Mainland market."
To help Hong Kong enterprises weather the economic difficulties and to facilitate their financing, the Central Government had earlier announced that the enterprises would be allowed to use their assets in Hong Kong as collateral in securing loans from the Mainland branches of Hong Kong banks. The measure would also further facilitate the processing trade to sell their products domestically.
"All these measures will bring a win-win situation for both the Mainland and Hong Kong, as they would help Hong Kong enterprises on the Mainland continue their business while boosting the Mainland economy and employment market," Mrs Lau said.
Ends/Saturday, April 25, 2009
Issued at HKT 13:24
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