CE continues visit to Perth (with photos/video)

CE continues visit to Perth (with photos/video)
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     The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, continued his visit to Australia in Perth today (June 20).

     The first official activity of the day was a visit to Fremantle Port, which is the biggest cargo port in Western Australia with a variety of facilities.

     Mr Tsang was impressed by the heritage-listed buildings there, including the famous Fremantle Markets built in 1897, and the lively street life, thriving café culture and arts scene at the fully functional port. The Inner Harbour handles almost all the container trade for Western Australia and provides facilities for cruise ships.

     Addressing a luncheon organised by the Western Australia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chief Executive encouraged companies to make use of the financial facilities in Hong Kong.

     "Hong Kong, with its liquid markets and attractive valuations, is a perfect fit as a capital-raising centre for resources firms, including companies from Western Australia. For one thing, our nation China is a huge consumer of minerals and natural resources. Western Australia is a major supplier," the Chief Executive said.

     He said that some mining companies from Russia and Brazil had already grasped the opportunity to list in Hong Kong last year.

     Noting that wine imports from Australia have soared 116% since Hong Kong eliminated duties in 2008, Mr Tsang said that is one example of the potential for stronger business links between the two economies.

     "We welcome more Australian firms to come and take advantage of our business-friendly environment. Size really doesn't matter. There is plenty of room in Hong Kong for more Australian companies, large and small," the Chief Executive said.

     In the afternoon, Mr Tsang met the Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Fisheries; Electoral Affairs, Western Australia, Mr Norman Moore.

     The meeting was followed by a boat ride in the Swan River, where Mr Tsang was briefed on the redevelopment plan of the Perth Waterfront that aims to reinvent the city as a more diverse and international centre of living, culture, creativity, learning, entertainment and business.

     The Chief Executive said Hong Kong could draw on the Perth experience in enhancing its waterfront attractions and urban renewal projects.

Ends/Monday, June 20, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:07

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