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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Frederick Ma, began a two-day visit to Washington, DC, today (November 7 Washington time) to provide an update on Hong Kong's promising economic outlook and bountiful business opportunities to administration officials, congressmen, academics, students and representatives of the business community.
Mr Ma first met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Susan C Schwab to exchange views on matters of mutual interest, including multilateral trade negotiations and the protection of intellectual property rights.
He then called on Congressman Rick Larsen of the state of Washington. Matters discussed included Hong Kong-US trade ties and Hong Kong's competitiveness.
At a lunch hosted by Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Miss Margaret Fong, Mr Ma spoke of the successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems", Hong Kong's promising economic outlook, the city's unique role in China's economic development and the incomparable business opportunities presented by the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) - the free trade agreement between Hong Kong and mainland China.
In the afternoon, Mr Ma met with First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mr John Lipsky, to exchange views on the outlook of the US and global economies. The IMF has been highly supportive of the HKSARG's policy framework in fostering economic growth and maintaining the competitiveness of Hong Kong as an international financial centre.
Mr Ma then visited Georgetown University where he spoke to business students with the McDonough School of Business. Noting that a number of the school's undergraduate business students had participated in summer study programmes in collaboration with the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr Ma said Hong Kong was a magnet for such talent. He said the city, as an international financial centre, offered bountiful opportunities for career development.
Tomorrow, Mr Ma will attend a breakfast roundtable hosted by the US-China Business Council and meet Congressman Wally Herger of California.
Mr Ma will then leave Washington for Toronto, Canada to continue his week-long trade mission in North America.
Ends/Thursday, November 8, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:26
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