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The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, leading a 40-person business delegation from Hong Kong, began his first official visit to India in Mumbai today (February 2).
In the morning, Mr Leung was briefed by two major Indian conglomerates on the macro-economic situation and business environment, as well as information and communications technology and infrastructure businesses, in India.
Mr Leung addressed a business luncheon hosted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He took the opportunity to introduce Hong Kong's unique advantages under "one country, two systems" and the latest developments in innovation and technology in Hong Kong.
Speaking at the luncheon, Mr Leung said, "I see a lot of room for co-operation between Hong Kong and India in scientific research, commercialisation and co-investment. We welcome Indian investment - Indian innovation and technology - to explore and develop, together with Hong Kong."
He added, "Hong Kong is India's perfect base for regional and global collaboration. We have the experience, the expertise, and the connections to bring Hong Kong and Indian entrepreneurs together for rewarding partnerships."
Mr Leung also encouraged the Indian business community to visit Hong Kong, where a high-level round-table meeting for business leaders from both sides could be conducted to discuss opportunities for co-operation.
Noting that the average annual growth in bilateral trade between Hong Kong and India was 7 per cent between 2010 and 2014 and 12 per cent in 2014, Mr Leung pointed out that there is a lot of room for further growth, making use of the "super-connector" role of Hong Kong between India and the rest of China.
In the afternoon, the Chief Executive visited the Bharat Diamond Bourse to learn more about the diamond trade in India. Afterwards, Mr Leung will visit the Capital, a commercial building project led by a Hong Kong-based architecture firm, which is a vivid example of Hong Kong's professional services successfully expanding business overseas.
In the evening, the Chief Executive will meet with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr Devendra Fadnavis, to exchange views on issues of mutual interest, including opportunities for co-operation on trade and economic fronts. Mr Leung will also attend a dinner banquet hosted by the Chief Minister.
Mr Leung will attend the bell-ringing ceremony in Mumbai's stock exchange tomorrow (February 3), followed by a meeting with the Governor of Maharashtra, Mr Chennamaneni Vidyasagar Rao. Mr Leung will give a keynote speech at a business luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in the afternoon before departing for New Delhi.
Ends/Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:05
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