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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, arrived in San Francisco on June 12 (San Francisco time) for the second leg of his visit to the United States (US), after joining the Chief Executive's visit programme in New York.
After his arrival, Mr So called on the Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco, Mr Edwin M Lee. They exchanged views on bilateral relations between Hong Kong and San Francisco, and discussed issues of mutual interest.
Mr So also paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Consul General in San Francisco, Mr Yuan Nansheng, during which he talked about Hong Kong's latest developments.
Mr So then officiated at a reception hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, San Francisco (SFETO) and the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco in honour of visiting Hong Kong contemporary artist Mr Lam Tung-pang. About 100 guests from the arts and culture sector of San Francisco attended the reception, which launched the exhibition "The Curiosity Box" by Mr Lam.
In the evening, Mr So joined a dinner with business leaders from the Bay Area Council hosted by the SFETO. He shared with them the recent economic outlook and business opportunities in Hong Kong, and encouraged US companies to take full advantage of Hong Kong's edge as the premier gateway to the burgeoning regional markets.
On June 13 (San Francisco time), Mr So will visit Silicon Valley and then head to Los Angeles to continue his visit to promote Hong Kong in the West Coast of the US.
Ends/Thursday, June 13, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:07
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