************************************************************
The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, had a number of meetings today (June 28) with the President of Myanmar and top Myanmar officials in Nay Pyi Taw to strengthen connections with this emerging market.
Mr Tsang and the Hong Kong business delegation started the day by meeting with the Deputy Minister of Commerce, Dr Pwint San. Mr Tsang said that Hong Kong is a major service economy, and is highly complementary with Myanmar's economic structure. Dr Pwint San said that Hong Kong entrepreneurs are among Myanmar's major investors, and welcomed more Hong Kong enterprises to set up businesses in Myanmar.
Later in the morning, Mr Tsang paid a courtesy call on the President of Myanmar, Mr Thein Sein. Mr Thein Sein said that in the past two years, Myanmar had not only carried out political reform, but also developed a market economy. He said he believes that Hong Kong has the capital and technology while Myanmar has the manpower, land and natural resources. Myanmar and Hong Kong have ample space for co-operation in many areas, including exports of agricultural products, petroleum and natural gas, as well as investments in infrastructure, labour-intensive industries, hotels and tourism. The President said that this would enable both places to achieve mutually beneficial co-operation. He also expressed the hope that Hong Kong enterprises could provide vocational training to young people in Myanmar. Mr Tsang said that the Hong Kong business sector is very interested in exploring business opportunities in Myanmar. He hoped this visit could help strengthen the ties between the governments of the two places.
In the afternoon, Mr Tsang and the delegation met with the Minister of National Planning and Economic Development, Professor Kan Zaw, who is also the Secretary of the Myanmar Investment Commission. Both sides had an in-depth discussion on the investment environment and regulation in Myanmar.
Mr Tsang departed in the evening for Yangon, where he will hold the last day of his visit to Myanmar tomorrow (June 29).
Ends/Friday, June 28, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:00
NNNN