Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, meets Rhode Island Governor (English only)
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     Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Mr Donald Tong, today (April 3, New York time) concluded his first official duty visit to Rhode Island.  During the two-day trip, Mr Tong met with Rhode Island Governor, Mr Donald L. Carcieri, and spoke to the Brown University students on the various measures by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to combat the global financial crisis.

     Mr Tong met Governor Carcieri at the State House in Providence, Rhode Island, on April 2. Mr Tong gave an update on the development in Hong Kong since the handover and the successful implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.  He highlighted Hong Kong’s competitive advantages, including a low and simple tax system, clean and efficient government and superb infrastructure.   

     Governor Carcieri, who had visited Hong Kong on a number of occasions, acknowledged Hong Kong’s position as an international city and agreed that its unique geographical location and historical background made Hong Kong an ideal place for foreign enterprises looking for a platform to stage their operations in the Mainland.

     Mr Tong also highlighted the Government’s measures to combat financial crisis, with aims to stabilise the financial market, create and preserve jobs, and to support enterprises.

     Mr Tong pointed out that despite the downturn, Hong Kong’s economic fundamentals remain strong.  And the Government’s measures will ensure that Hong Kong will be in a better position to reap the benefits when the global economy recovers.

     After his meeting with Governor Carcieri, Mr Tong visited Brown University, which has an exchange programme with the Chinese University of Hong Kong.  Mr Tong met with faculty members and members of the Hong Kong Students Association.  He spoke to about 60 Brown University students, during which he reiterated the close ties between Hong Kong and the U.S. and the Government’s commitment to a free and open society.

     Responding to questions on how Hong Kong could maintain its position in the global market, Mr Tong said that it needed the concerted effort and close collaboration of Hong Kong and the central and local governments in the Mainland.  He said, “By tapping into the complementary strengths of Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta (PRD), Hong Kong and the PRD would continue the expansion and advancement of its development in the regions.  Hong Kong and the neighboring cities, working together, would attract more businesses and continue to advance.”

     During the trip, Mr Tong also had meetings with the business community and the local media to address their enquiries about Hong Kong and the U.S. relations.  

Ends/Saturday, April 4, 2009
Issued at HKT 09:51

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