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The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, continued his official visit to Chicago, the United States (US), today (June 10, Chicago time).
Mr Leung started the day by addressing the annual "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" symposium organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), which was attended by 1,000 business people. He said, "We're here to invite you to take advantage of Hong Kong's 'super-connector' capabilities between the Mainland of China and the world - between the Mainland and, of course, the US. I know you have direct flights also to other Chinese cities, but Hong Kong offers you the shortest, surest and safest route to business anywhere in China, thanks to our 'One Country, Two Systems' arrangement.
"It's why nearly 7,600 overseas and Mainland Chinese companies keep offices in Hong Kong. Over 1,300 US companies, by the way, call Hong Kong home.
"We are both China's international financial centre and the world's China financial capital. More importantly, we serve as China's launching pad for its financial reforms, and as its gateway for the opening up of its financial markets. So we enjoy first-mover advantages, and we have first-hand knowledge and experiences. We are pleased to share them with US businesses and investors."
In the afternoon, Mr Leung met with the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Mr Charles Evans. They exchanged views on the outlook of the global economy. Mr Leung also held a meeting with the President of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Mr Ivo Daalder. At the meeting, Mr Leung provided an update on Hong Kong on various fronts.
The Chief Executive called on the Mayor of Chicago, Mr Rahm Emanuel, in the evening to discuss trade and economic relations between Chicago and Hong Kong. He also addressed the Hong Kong Dinner organised by the HKTDC. Mr Leung said, "More than 100 airlines operate about 1,100 flights every day out of the Hong Kong International Airport. The airport connects to some 180 global destinations, including more than 45 in the Mainland of China.
"I invite you all to visit Hong Kong. For business or for pleasure. You would find Hong Kong fascinating."
In the morning of June 11 (Chicago time), Mr Leung will meet with the President of the University of Chicago, Professor Robert J Zimmer, and the Dean of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Professor Sunil Kumar, to exchange views on education development in both places. The University of Chicago Booth School of Business opened a campus in Hong Kong last year.
The Chief Executive will conclude his trip by attending a luncheon on June 11 (Chicago time) with members of the Hong Kong-United States Business Council and board members of the World Business Chicago, at which he will highlight Hong Kong's latest developments that will help US companies realise the opportunities in Asia.
Previously, on the afternoon of June 9 (Chicago time), Mr Leung attended a tea reception with over 100 members of the Hong Kong community and the National US Hong Kong Business Association from across the country.
The Chief Executive will leave Chicago in the afternoon on June 11 (Chicago time), and will arrive in Hong Kong in the evening on June 12.
Ends/Thursday, June 11, 2015
Issued at HKT 11:42
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