SCED promotes Hong Kong's business ties with Switzerland (with photos)

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     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, yesterday (December 5, Bern time) met with his Swiss counterparts in Switzerland to promote closer trade and economic ties between Hong Kong and the country.

     Mr So started his day by holding a meeting with the Director General of the World Trade Organization, Mr Roberto Azevêdo, in Geneva to exchange views on the WTO's business.

     He then met with the State Secretary, Director of State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland, Ms Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch, in Bern to discuss issues related to trade and economic co-operation between Hong Kong and Switzerland. Mr So noted that Switzerland was Hong Kong's 13th largest trading partner in 2015, with bilateral trade amounting to over US$11 billion, hence there is great potential for further growth.

     Mr So also pointed out that Hong Kong, as the "super-connector" between the vast Mainland Chinese market and the rest of the world, makes an ideal gateway for Swiss companies to tap the numerous new business opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative, as Hong Kong provides an excellent platform for finance, logistics and professional services for trades and projects among the Belt and Road countries.

     In the evening, Mr So attended a dinner with the Chinese Ambassador to Switzerland, Mr Geng Wenbing, and the President of the Canton of Lucerne, Mr Marcel Schwerzmann. Noting that two comic artists from Hong Kong were featured at the Fumetto International Comic Festival in Lucerne this April, Mr So said he looked forward to more collaboration in creative industries between Hong Kong and Lucerne in the future.

     Mr So will proceed to Dublin, Ireland today (December 6, Dublin time) and visit the Chinese Embassy in Ireland upon arrival.

Ends/Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Issued at HKT 8:15

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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So (left), yesterday (December 5, Geneva time) met with the Director General of the World Trade Organization, Mr Roberto Azevêdo, in Geneva to exchange views on the WTO's business.

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So (left), yesterday (December 5, Bern time) met with the State Secretary, Director of State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland, Ms Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch, in Bern to discuss issues related to trade and economic co-operation between Hong Kong and Switzerland.

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So (right), yesterday (December 5, Bern time) evening with the Chinese Ambassador to Switzerland, Mr Geng Wenbing (centre), and the President of Canton of Lucerne, Mr Marcel Schwerzmann (left).