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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, conducted the last day of his visit to Japan today (January 28).
Speaking at the "Think Global, Think Hong Kong" symposium in Osaka, Mr So said that the vast Japanese presence in Hong Kong speaks of the confidence Japan has in Hong Kong and in its distinctive advantages as the preferred base from which to do business in Asia.
The symposium was organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. More than 400 political and business leaders attended the event.
Mr So said Hong Kong is the fastest and the most efficient route to the Mainland's huge business opportunities for Japanese companies.
Japanese enterprises can take advantage of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, Hong Kong's free trade pact with the Mainland, to gain tariff-free entry in the Mainland market for goods produced in Hong Kong. They can also enjoy preferential treatment in accessing the Mainland's services sector, he said.
Mr So said Hong Kong has also become a regional marketplace and service centre for intellectual property-related activities ranging from copyright trading, licensing and franchising to design services and technology transfer.
This means opportunities for Japanese companies as Hong Kong can help manage, market and sell their intellectual property in the Mainland and beyond, he added.
On the sidelines of the symposium, Mr So met with the Governor of Osaka Prefecture, Mr Ichiro Matsui, to exchange views on issues of mutual concern.
Mr So will return to Hong Kong tonight.
Ends/Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Issued at HKT 11:47
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