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The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, made a brief stop in Milan on October 29 and 30 for trade promotional activities organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) during the second leg of his three-city visit to Paris, Milan and London from October 28 to 31.
After arriving in Milan yesterday afternoon (October 29, Milan time), Mr Tsang attended the Hong Kong Dinner in Milan hosted by the HKTDC in the evening. Noting that Hong Kong is more than a business hub, he told Italian business and political leaders about how people enjoy a good life in Hong Kong.
The Opening Session of the "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" symposium organised by the HKTDC was held this morning (October 30, Milan time). The largest Hong Kong promotion event ever held in Italy, the symposium showcased Hong Kong's business advantages and encourage companies in Italy to use Hong Kong's professional services platform to tap opportunities in Asia, particularly on the Mainland.
In his address at the symposium, Mr Tsang highlighted that Hong Kong has long been the global business centre of Asia, the city where talent and capital come together. He encouraged more Italian companies to capitalise on Asian business opportunities through Hong Kong.
"The growing Italian presence in Hong Kong reflects the business promise of Asia, particularly Mainland China and the emerging ASEAN economies. It also underlines Hong Kong's role as the natural springboard to these buoyant markets.
"We are geographically, culturally and economically connected to the Mainland, the world's fastest-growing economy, with a rapidly expanding consumer market. Hong Kong business people are the biggest foreign investors in every province of China. We know the Chinese market better than anybody else in the world.
"We are also a key player in the emerging ASEAN economies. In Hong Kong, you can always find ready partners, knowledgeable professionals and valuable advisers to help expand your business into Mainland China and Southeast Asia," he said.
Having concluded his visit to Milan, Mr Tsang departed in the afternoon for London, the last stop of his three-city visit.
Ends/Thursday, October 30, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:03
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