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The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, made a brief stop in Ottawa today (July 13, Ottawa time) to meet prominent business and political figures.
Mr Tsang started the day by having a breakfast meeting with the Hong Kong Canada Business Association (Ottawa). The meeting gave the Financial Secretary an opportunity to strengthen ties with the association and encourage bilateral trade between Canada and Hong Kong. He also encouraged Canadian corporations to establish a foothold in Hong Kong to capitalise on enormous opportunities available.
Mr Tsang next called on Canada's Minister of Finance, Mr Jim Flaherty. During the meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual concern, including economic development and co-operation between the two places and the changing global economic landscape, and the double taxation avoidance agreement being negotiated between Hong Kong and Canada.
The Financial Secretary also invited his Canadian counterpart to come to Hong Kong to take part in the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) in January 2012. AFF brings together some of the most influential members of the global financial and business community each year to discuss developments and trends in the dynamic markets of Asia.
Later, a lunch was arranged for Mr Tsang to meet the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, Mr John Manley.
Having completed the Ottawa leg of his visit, Mr Tsang proceeded to Montreal to attend a dinner hosted by the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (Montreal).
Ends/Thursday, July 14, 2011
Issued at HKT 05:36
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