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The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan, attended the 13th Beijing-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Symposium in Beijing today (October 29). He encouraged business and financial enterprises in both cities to capitalise on their strengths and work together to achieve the goal of complementing each other and gaining prosperity.
Speaking at the opening of the symposium, Professor Chan said Hong Kong would continue develop the four traditional pillar industries - financial services, tourism, trading and logistics, and professional services - while quality and professional services to Beijing enterprises would continue.
He pointed out that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region would launch various measures to boost six economic areas where Hong Kong enjoyed clear advantages. The six industries are: education services, medical services, testing and certification, environmental industries, innovation and technology, and cultural and creative industries. In Beijing, innovation and technology as well as cultural and creative industries are also the key industries to be developed.
Professor Chan said, "The theme of this year's symposium is 'Technology to stimulate the economy, Innovation to promote development'. Coupled with roadshows on cultural and creative industries, the event has demonstrated the way forward of the two cities."
He hoped both cities could build on their close partnership and explore new horizons for development with a view to diversifying their economic bases.
Before the symposium, Professor Chan and Hong Kong prominent business people called on the Mayor of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, Mr Guo Jinlong.
In the afternoon, Professor Chan said at the Beijing-Hong Kong Financial Services Co-operation Forum that Hong Kong would fully grasp the opportunities presented by "One Country, Two Systems" and develop Hong Kong as a global financial centre, asset management centre and offshore RMB business centre attracting capital and talent from within and outside the country. In the process, Hong Kong would endeavour to meet the Mainland's overall development needs and achieve a win-win situation, and contribute to the Mainland's financial security, he added.
Apart from attending the symposium and the forum, Professor Chan also opened the First Hong Kong Brands Exhibition in Beijing. He will return to Hong Kong tonight.
Ends/Thursday, October 29, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:52
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