The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (July 13) promoted Hong Kong's advantages and vast potential to Thai business sectors in Bangkok, Thailand, with a view to deepening business collaboration between the two places.
      
     Speaking at a Think Business, Think Hong Kong reception, part of the two-day (July 13 and 14) promotion event organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to showcase Hong Kong as a premium business destination, Mr Yau said that the ties between Hong Kong and Thailand have flourished over the years, fostering a robust partnership that has propelled mutual growth.
      
     He pointed out that in 2022, the total trade value between Thailand and Hong Kong amounted to almost US$20 billion. In the same year, foreign direct investment from Hong Kong to Thailand amounted to about US$550 million, making Hong Kong the fourth largest investor in Thailand.
      
     Mr Yau highlighted Hong Kong's strengths in business under the "one country, two systems" principle, making Hong Kong a sound destination for companies seeking access to the Mainland China market as well as the rest of the world.
      
      "By capitalising on our unique strengths, Hong Kong connects global investors with promising projects along the Belt and Road, while at the same time fostering collaboration and innovation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area," he added.
      
     During his stay in Bangkok, Mr Yau also met with Thai business leaders to update them on the latest Hong Kong developments and initiatives on attracting enterprises and investments. Mr Yau this morning had a breakfast meeting with the Chief Executive Officer and President of BigC Supercenter Public Company Limited, one of the largest Thai conglomerates, Mr Aswin Techajareonvikul. Mr Yau then met with the Director of iberry Group, Mr Rojanin Arthayukti. The group currently operates over 60 restaurants in Bangkok.
      
     Mr Yau also called on Thai business communities' continued support to Hong Kong's early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) during a luncheon with Thailand's representatives to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Business Advisory Council. He reiterated that Hong Kong is committed to broadening and deepening economic integration and co-operation for the prosperity of the region, through Hong Kong's accession to RCEP.
      
     He also hosted dinner for some 60 representatives from the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide to exchange views on enhancing trade and business co-operation. In addition to meeting with the business community, Mr Yau paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, Mr Han Zhiqiang.
     　
     Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon (July 14).

Ends/Thursday, July 13, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:45

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