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The Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Ms Sally Wong, said today (February 14) that Hong Kong welcomes Japanese people to visit or invest in Hong Kong, which is a safe, hospitable and cosmopolitan city.
Speaking to some 270 guests from the Japanese political and business circles, academia and community groups at a spring reception in Tokyo, Japan, Ms Wong pointed out that Hong Kong and Japan have enjoyed mature and stable relations for many years.
"Japanese companies form the second largest group of overseas companies in Hong Kong, just next to those from the United States. Last year, the bilateral trade between the two places amounted to US$59 billion, with Hong Kong being the largest market for Japanese food exports for five years in a row.
"On the tourism front, 481 000 visitors from Hong Kong travelled to Japan last year, representing a 32 per cent increase over 2011," Ms Wong said.
Ms Wong said that Hong Kong remains a vibrant and free society and a welcoming place for visitors and investment from Japan and other countries.
"I encourage you to capitalise on Hong Kong's advantages and opportunities for business as we start the Year of the Snake, or simply come to Hong Kong for fun and relaxation," Ms Wong said.
Noting that the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) has been in operation in Japan for 25 years, she expressed gratitude for the support given by various quarters to Hong Kong in the past, and said she hoped that continued support would be extended in future.
The spring reception was jointly organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo), the Hong Kong-Japan Business Co-operation Committee and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
Ends/Thursday, February 14, 2013
Issued at HKT 21:40
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