CE explains HK advantages in meeting with Israeli PM (with photos/videos)
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     The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, today (October  13, Israel time) explained Hong Kong's strengths as a "super connector" during the first day of his first official visit to Israel.

     In the morning, Mr Leung called on the Israeli President, Mr Reuven Rivlin, to explore ways in which to strengthen Hong Kong-Israel relations, including in the area of innovation and technology.

     During a meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, the Chief Executive explained that Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" could help Israeli companies access business opportunities in China and Asia.

     Mr Leung also took the opportunity to introduce Hong Kong's advantages under "one country, two systems".

     "I am leading a 30-member delegation to Israel comprising government officials, academics, industry leaders and research sectors. We are eager to draw reference from Israel in its successful evolution into a major player in innovation and technology, and apply suitably to Hong Kong to fire up our economic engine," he said.

     "Hong Kong is not short of talent and creativity, but we need closer collaboration and better co-ordination among the government, academia, industry and research sectors."

     Earlier in the morning, the Chief Executive visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, Israel, where he laid a wreath to mourn the victims and received a briefing at the Holocaust History Museum.

     In the afternoon, Mr Leung will visit a leading technology company specialising in the development of automobile driver assistance, including an auto-pilot car.

     Mr Leung will also visit the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to learn more about the university's success with the development of its technology transfer company.

     In the evening, the Chief Executive will attend a dinner hosted by the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Tzipi Hotovely, and deliver a keynote speech to Israeli business people on the opportunities offered by Hong Kong.

     Mr Leung and the delegation will innovation and technology enterprises in Tel Aviv tomorrow (October 14, Israel time).

Ends/Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:38

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