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Hong Kong, with a population of about seven million, was the largest export market in the world for Japanese agricultural and food products.
This was noted by the Principal Representative of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Mrs Jennie Chok, during a dinner reception in Miyazaki prefecture this evening (March 26).
Mrs Chok said that according to statistics from the Japan External Trade Organisation, 19.4%, or over 80 billion yen worth, of Japan's total export of agricultural and food products was sold to Hong Kong last year, exceeding the 16.1% that was exported to the United States.
Pointing out that Japan was Hong Kong's third largest trading partner, she said Hong Kong had enjoyed close economic ties with various prefectures of Japan including Miyazaki.
"Merchandise trade between Hong Kong and Miyazaki exceeded nine billion yen in 2006," she said.
Noting that Hong Kong was Miyazaki's fourth largest export market, Mrs Chok said over 96% of the bilateral trade consisted of exports from Miyazaki to Hong Kong, including mainly electrical appliances, plastic products and machinery.
At the reception, Mrs Chok briefed guests on the latest political and economic developments in Hong Kong, stressing that Hong Kong had not lost any of the characteristics that had contributed to its success in the past.
Turning to infrastructure developments, she said a long list of projects would come on stream in Hong Kong in the next five to 10 years.
These projects include a 30-kilometre long bridge linking Hong Kong to Macao and Guangdong, a new express railway line connected to the national rail network, a new cruise terminal and a high-speed rail connection between the two airports in Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
Before closing, Mrs Chok also highlighted Hong Kong's role in co-hosting the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games by staging the equestrian events.
"Please come and witness the exciting Olympic spirit in Hong Kong this year, or just come any time to see and enjoy what our vibrant city has to offer," she said.
Attended by senior government officials and business leaders, the reception was organised by the HKETO to enhance the bilateral relationship between Miyazaki and Hong Kong.
Ends/Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:00
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