Global trade has dominated talks in Brussels yesterday (Monday) between the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, and European Union politicians.

Securing visa-free access for the Hong Kong SAR Passport, a wide-range of transitional issues and Vietnamese Refugees were also raised during a full day of meetings in the Belgian capital.

Mr Tung described the talks as 'useful and forward looking'.

During a three-hour session of talks, which included meetings with European Commission President, Mr Jacques Santer and Vice President, Sir Leon Brittan, Mr Tung stressed Hong Kong's commitment to free trade.

Discussions were held on the liberalisation of the financial services market, China's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Hong Kong's active role in the global trade body and the importance of permitting free trade on a multi-lateral basis.

It was agreed that Hong Kong and the EU would continue to work actively on areas of co-operation in trade and customs.

The discussions with European Commission leaders has cleared the way for substantial negotiations on a Customs Co-operation Agreement. All sides hope that the negotiations can be concluded as soon as possible," Mr Tung said.

On the SAR Passport, Mr Tung secured the support of the top EC officials in Hong Kong's efforts to secure visa-free access to EC member states.

The European Commission leaders pledged to encourage member states to provide visa-free travel to Hong Kong, which allows visa-free access for all EU nationals.

"I raised the issue of visa-free entry with the Commissioners and also with the President and I think their response was quite sympathetic, I think very sympathetic, and they will talk with individual member states on this issue," Mr Tung said.

"We will also be working very hard with these individual states who have not given us visa-free yet and hopefully over a period of time we will succeed in our efforts."

In a morning session with European Parliament (EP) members, Mr Tung was congratulated for the smooth running of Hong Kong since the Handover.

They discussed a wide range of issues, including Hong Kong's electoral arrangements and the pace of the democratic process, labour laws, legal aid, the use of English in the legal system, human rights and the environment.

The EP members lent support to Mr Tung's call for visa-free access to EU countries.

EP members also expressed interest in Hong Kong's role within the WTO as well as China's entry to the body.

Later in the day, Mr Tung attended the first plenary session of the HK/EU and EU/HK Business Co-operation Committee and held talks with Belgian Prime Minister Mr Jean-Luc Dehaene.

Mr Tung will also deliver the keynote address at the inaugural Hong Kong Dinner in Europe, during which he will tell guests that new opportunities abound for European business in Hong Kong and the rapidly-expanding Chinese market.

Mr Tung leaves for London this(Tuesday)(United Kingdom time) morning.

Photos of the Chief Executive's visit in Belgium