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Speaking at an evening reception hosted by the Regional Council of Burgundy, France, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, said on June 5 (France time) that Hong Kong offers a business-friendly environment for French enterprises.
Mr So noted that Hong Kong is an important base for French companies with operations and investments in Asia. For 21 consecutive years, Hong Kong has been ranked the world's freest economy by the Heritage Foundation. The city is also ranked third in ease of doing business by World Bank, he said.
He added that the business-friendly environment in Hong Kong is underpinned by the rule of law and an independent judiciary, a low and simple tax regime and the free flow of information, capital and goods, as well as having a superb transport and communications infrastructure.
"Over the past decades, Hong Kong has played the role of 'super-connector' between Mainland China and the rest of the world. Our versatile businessmen and professionals are accustomed to international standards and how things work in Asia, especially in Mainland China. For French businesses, that makes Hong Kong the fastest and most efficient route to the huge opportunities offered by the booming Asian markets."
Before the evening reception, Mr So paid a visit to a local company specialising in CCTV innovative solutions.
Mr So concluded his visit programme in France on June 6 (France time). He next travels to Toronto in Canada and Chicago in the United States to join the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, for a duty visit. Mr So will return to Hong Kong on June 12.
Ends/Saturday, June 6, 2015
Issued at HKT 12:28
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