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The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, attended the 7th ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Asia Forum and met a number of top Singaporean officials today (August 1).
Mr Tsang paid courtesy calls on the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, and the Emeritus Senior Minister of Singapore, Mr Goh Chok Tong, separately.
A lunch meeting was held with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Singapore, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, to discuss issues of mutual concern.
Mr Tsang also met with the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Temasek, Ms Ho Ching.
He paid a visit to the Singapore Exchange and met the Chairman of the Singapore Exchange, Mr Chew Choon Seng.
At the 7th ASEAN and Asia Forum, Mr Tsang outlined the multiple roles of Hong Kong as the gateway to China, a global business centre, a global financial centre and a global aviation and logistics centre, and pointed out that Hong Kong business people are pioneer investors in some ASEAN economies. He encouraged ASEAN entrepreneurs to do business in Hong Kong, with Hong Kong and through Hong Kong. He also told attendees that the early and successful conclusion of the ASEAN-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement negotiations would enable entrepreneurs in Asia to reap the rewards of greater regional co-operation.
Having concluded the visit, Mr Tsang departed for Hong Kong in the evening.
Ends/Friday, August 1, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:39
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