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The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, promoted Hong Kong's "super-connector" role in his first official visit to Indonesia and brought the ties between the two places to a new height with the confirmation of the establishment of a Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (ETO) in Jakarta.
The Chief Executive today (September 17) started a packed visit. He met the President of Indonesia, Mr Joko Widodo, in the morning and thanked the Indonesian government for its support in the establishment of the ETO in Jakarta. Both sides agreed to step up co-operation in areas such as trade and commerce, investment, professional services and tourism to enhance bilateral ties between Hong Kong and Indonesia. Also present at the meeting were the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Mrs Retno L P Marsudi, and the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of Indonesia, Mr Darmin Nasution,.
Before the meeting, Mr Leung addressed the opening ceremony of "In StyleˇEHong Kong" organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
"Our 'One Country, Two Systems' arrangement gives us advantages no other economy can hope to match. When you are in Hong Kong, you are in China - a market with tremendous potential. And, thanks to our 'One Country, Two Systems' arrangement, we share with our international business partners, and that definitely includes our Indonesian partners, the double benefits of 'One Country' and 'Two Systems'," Mr Leung said.
"Set up manufacturing operations in Hong Kong, produce goods that meet CEPA origin rules, and your products enter the Mainland of China, tariff-free. Or simply partner with a Hong Kong company to realise all that CEPA can offer you and your products and services," he added.
In the afternoon, the Chief Executive attended a luncheon where he met with local business leaders. He then called on the Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Mr Le Luong Minh, to discuss the economic co-operation between Hong Kong and ASEAN, including the progress of talks on establishing a Free Trade Agreement.
Mr Leung also officiated at the opening ceremony of "Hong KongˇELive in Jakarta" organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. "Last year, I'm pleased to note, our visitors included nearly 500 000 Indonesians, making Indonesia Hong Kong's 13th largest visitor market. It helps that there are more than 90 weekly flights between Hong Kong and Indonesia. And let's not forget, you can come to Hong Kong by cruise," Mr. Leung said.
The Chief Executive ended the visit by addressing TDC's "In StyleˇEHong Kong" Gala Dinner in the evening. Mr Leung said that when China's forward-looking 21st century Maritime Silk Road and Silk Road Economic Belt initiatives set sail, Hong Kong's enduring advantages, from low and simple tax regime, to independent judiciary, global financial expertise and wealth of services professionals, would provide further impetus to the mutually beneficial partnership between Hong Kong and Indonesia.
"We see boundless opportunity in serving as a training hub for the region, in developing talent for emerging economies in a wide range of areas. Including, of course, our design and creative sectors," he said.
Upon arrival in Jakarta yesterday (September 16), the Chief Executive met with the Vice President of Indonesia, Mr Jusuf Kalla and the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Xie Feng. He also joined a gathering with Hong Kong people living and working in Jakarta to learn about their everyday lives.
The Chief Executive will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (September 18).
Ends/Thursday, September 17, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:37
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MP4 format