The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, met with the Cambodian business sector today (September 18) to promote Hong Kong's business opportunities after attending the 6th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers-Hong Kong, China Consultation in Cambodia.
 
     Speaking at a luncheon to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Phnom Penh, Mr Yau said to more than 400 participants that with the implementation of the innovative principle of "one country, two systems", and the staunch support of the Central People's Government, Hong Kong has developed into a world-class city in Asia in the past 25 years.
 
     Quoting President Xi Jinping's important speech delivered on July 1, Mr Yau shared his insights with the participants on Hong Kong's distinctive role and advantages under "one country, two systems".
 
     He said that Hong Kong will continue to leverage the unique strengths to enhance its status as an international trade centre under the National 14th Five-Year Plan, and strive to develop into a regional intellectual property trading centre and the premier telecommunications hub of Asia.
 
     "As we actively integrate into the national development strategies, including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) development and the Belt and Road Initiative, we stand ready to working closely with our partners in the region, including those in Cambodia, to capture the unprecedented business opportunities", he added.
 
     "With our free economy, a low and simple tax system, well-established infrastructural connectivity, a market-oriented and international business environment, as well as our free trade agreement with ASEAN, Hong Kong will definitely be Cambodia's prime partner in tapping the vast business potential in the GBA, in Mainland China and beyond in many more years to come."

     The luncheon drew attendance from a wide spectrum of the Cambodian community covering business, political and diplomatic sectors, including the Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, Mr Wang Wentian; the Chairman of the Constitutional Council of Cambodia, Mr Ek Sam Ol; the Chairman of Hong Kong Business Association of Cambodia, Mr Jesse Choi; and other business leaders and government officials.
 
     On his last day in Cambodia, Mr Yau also visited two Hong Kong enterprises with a wide range of businesses to get a better understanding of their operation and development, and the investment opportunities in Cambodia.
 
     Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong this evening.

Ends/Sunday, September 18, 2022
Issued at HKT 17:35

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