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The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, visited Paris on October 28 and 29 to attend trade promotion activities and meet with political and business leaders to strengthen economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and France, marking the first leg of his three-city visit to Paris, Milan and London from October 28 to 31.
Soon after his arrival in Paris yesterday morning (October 28, Paris time), Mr Tsang attended the opening session of the "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" symposium organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The large-scale trade promotional event showcased Hong Kong's business services advantages for French companies seeking opportunities in Asia, particularly on the Mainland.
Speaking at the symposium, Mr Tsang underlined Hong Kong's importance as Asia's business city and a natural springboard to the region's buoyant markets, particularly the Mainland of China and the emerging ASEAN economies.
He encouraged more French companies to capitalise on Asian business opportunities and explore the market through Hong Kong.
Mr Tsang then attended a lunch hosted by France's Minister of Finance and Public Accounts, Mr Michel Sapin. They exchanged views on the global economic situation and agreed to strengthen financial collaboration between Hong Kong and France.
In the afternoon, Mr Tsang called on the Chinese Ambassador to France, Mr Zhai Jun.
This was followed by a meeting with the Governor of the Banque de France, Mr Christian Noyer. They agreed to continue promoting the greater use of Renminbi for trade and investment as well as Renminbi liquidity flows.
In the evening, Mr Tsang attended the Hong Kong Dinner in Paris hosted by the HKTDC and took the chance to share with local business and political leaders on Hong Kong's pleasant leisure activities and pastimes.
A meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development of France, Mr Laurent Fabius, was held this morning (October 29, Paris time). Both sides expressed the wish to consolidate the bilateral relationship and strengthen trade collaboration.
Having concluded the first leg of his visit in Paris, Mr Tsang departed for Milan in the afternoon. He will have a brief one-day stay in Milan to attend the Hong Kong Dinner and the opening session of "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" in Milan. London is the last stop of his three-city visit.
Ends/Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:37
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