********************************************************
The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, welcomed the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr H Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and his delegation at Government House today (March 24). This is the first official visit of an Indonesian President to the city since Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region in 1997.
"Your visit is a great honour for us. Our meeting signifies the commitment of Indonesia and Hong Kong to promoting growth in our bilateral relations," said Mr Tsang. Bilateral trade in goods alone has witnessed impressive growth at an average rate of 11% annually in the last five years.
At their bilateral meeting, the Chief Executive and the Indonesian President exchanged views on the strong potential for strengthening all round relations in a wide range of areas including trade, financial services, tourism, education and culture.
The Chief Executive conveyed the communities' wish for early ratification of the Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, signed between Indonesia and Hong Kong in 2010.
He also introduced the strengths of Hong Kong as a global financial centre and offshore Renminbi centre. "We welcome the listing of Indonesian companies in Hong Kong. Our platform in RMB trade settlement will be of service to Indonesian firms doing business with Mainland China," said Mr Tsang.
The Chief Executive also looked forward to Indonesia's support for Hong Kong's request to join the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement. "Hong Kong's accession will bring mutual benefits which go beyond trade. It will lead to more business collaboration which will in turn generate more investment flows and bring more business opportunities to the region. It will also help develop the tremendous growth potential in bilateral relations between Hong Kong and Indonesia," said Mr Tsang.
CE expressed appreciation of the contributions made by the 164,000-strong Indonesian community in Hong Kong, including close to 150,000 who are foreign domestic helpers.
"The Indonesian community here gives a solid foundation for the development of friendship between Indonesia and Hong Kong," said Mr Tsang. He added that Hong Kong valued the workforce from Indonesia and would continue to communicate closely with the Indonesian Government in addressing the interests of both sides.
The Chief Executive also expressed wish for early conclusion of bilateral discussions leading to enhanced co-operation in education.
Ends/Saturday, March 24, 2012
Issued at HKT 21:09
NNNN