CE boosts HK links in London (with photos/video)
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     The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, reaffirmed Hong Kong's strong links with London during the second day (October 16, London time) of his visit to the United Kingdom (UK).

     Mr Leung started the day by visiting Crossrail, a 118-kilometre railway project which will be operated by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL).

     He viewed some of the construction work involved in creating the platform tunnels, passenger walkways, escalator shafts and ticket halls, and was also briefed on the MTRCL's preparations to operate the completed line.

     He said the project was a great example of the close business links between Hong Kong and the UK.

     In the afternoon, the Chief Executive delivered a keynote speech at a lunch hosted by the Hong Kong Association.

     Mr Leung told the more than 150 guests that Hong Kong's bedrock legal institutions work hand-in-hand with a business-friendly culture.

     "I'm talking about our open markets and open minds, low and simple taxes, free flow of capital and information, level playing field and other advantages," he said.

     "Collectively, they help make Hong Kong the freest economy in the world."

     Mr Leung said that in pursuing "Belt and Road", Hong Kong would leverage on its strengths to serve as a valued partner and turn opportunities into results in areas such as trade facilitation, investment promotion, intellectual property protection, professional services and dispute resolution.

     "Hong Kong's role, to summarise, is as the 'super-connector' between the rest of China and the rest of the world," he said.

     "We find our role rewarding and meaningful, for Hong Kong, for China and for our international friends."

     The Chief Executive will also visit the London Metal Exchange (LME), the world's leading base metals market that is owned by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited. Last year was a remarkable year for the commodities' business. The average daily trading volume on the LME reached a new record high, rising 4 per cent on the previous year to more than 700,000 lots.

     Mr Leung will also attend a reception for Hong Kong people living in London to boost links and hear about their life abroad. He will also seek to encourage the second generation of Hong Kong people in the UK to consider going to work and live in Hong Kong under the Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents.

     Mr Leung will leave London in the evening and is due back in Hong Kong on the afternoon of October 17.

Ends/Friday, October 16, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:20

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