************************************************************
The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, has today (September 10) urged New Zealand companies to leverage their reputation for quality goods and services by using Hong Kong as a platform for expansion in Asia.
Mr Tsang made the remarks in talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, with Deputy Prime Minster and Minister of Finance, Dr Michael Cullen, and during a luncheon with the Asia New Zealand Foundation.
In his meeting with Miss Clark, the Chief Executive was told that New Zealanders would like to see more Hong Kong investment in areas other than the traditional focus on property.
Such areas included high technology, biotechnology, renewable energy, and movie production and services.
Mr Tsang said that improving the environment and quality of life in Hong Kong were at the top of his policy agenda.
"While we have a lot to offer, we also have a lot to learn from New Zealand in areas such as renewable energy and environmental conservation," he said.
"New Zealand is a role model for us in this regard."
During his lunch meeting, Mr Tsang said New Zealand companies had a proven record in supplying excellent produce and business services in other areas such as accounting and the law.
"Such goods and services command a premium in Hong Kong and China. People pay for that type of quality because competition nowadays for these types of things is so strong," he said.
"I would encourage small and medium enterprises wishing to take their first steps into Asia to do so through Hong Kong."
Other topics discussed during a day of meetings included the World Trade Organization's Doha Development round of talks and the relevance of APEC.
On the WTO talks, Mr Tsang said the current round had been very tough and that some progress had been made during last week's APEC meeting.
He hoped that more hard work over the next weeks and months would further improve the 'chances of survival' for the round.
On APEC, Mr Tsang said the annual gathering included leaders of some of the world's most important countries and economies including the US, China, Russia and Japan.
"Half of the large countries we have in this world congregate together each year, face to face, for this meeting and this proved to be a major force for world peace, world progress and world co-operation," he said.
"All of this is for the good of the world."
Also during the day, Mr Tsang was given the honour of a traditional Maori welcome during a visit to the Te Papa Tongarewa (National Museum).
The sound of conch shells being blown heralded the arrival of Mr Tsang and the Hong Kong SAR delegation, who were escorted into the museum complex by two tribal elders. This was followed by the 'karanga' a ceremonial call of welcome and the traditional Maori dance the 'haka'.
Welcome speeches and songs in the Maori language followed. The ceremony culminated in the 'hongi', the clasping of hands and the gentle rubbing of noses that is a characteristic greeting for friends and visiting dignitaries.
During the ceremony, Mr Tsang extended the hand of friendship to the people of New Zealand on behalf of the people of Hong Kong.
"It is wonderful to be here, and to experience your culture and history in this way," he said.
"Hong Kong and New Zealand already have a long history of friendly and mutually beneficial links.
"But, I am confident that my visit to the Land of the Long White Cloud will bring our two communities even closer together in the years ahead.
"I extend my heartfelt thanks to you all for today's welcome. This is one experience I shall remember and cherish for many years to come."
Tomorrow (September 11), Mr Tsang departs for Auckland where he will officiate at a Hong Kong Tourism Board promotion for the 2008 Olympic Equestrian events.
The Chief Executive will also visit a health care services company and deliver a keynote speech at a Hong Kong New Zealand Gala Dinner.
Ends/Monday, September 10, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:34
NNNN