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The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, continued his official visit to India in New Delhi today (February 4).
The Chief Executive started the day by meeting with the Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi, during which he highlighted Hong Kong's role as the "super-connector" for Indian businesses. Mr Leung then met with the Finance Minister of India, Mr Arun Jaitley, to explore ways to strengthen economic relations between Hong Kong and India.
Mr Leung also attended a business luncheon hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry where he addressed Indian business people on the opportunities offered by Hong Kong. "The two economies have long enjoyed fruitful relations, ties deeply grounded in business and trade and people," Mr Leung said.
"I am confident that our good merchandise trade will continue to grow, that our respective companies will continue to prosper. Beyond that, however, I see a wealth of new prospects, fresh opportunities."
Mr Leung encouraged Indian business to look to Hong Kong for opportunities. "When one is in Hong Kong, one is in China - but Hong Kong's a special part of China that provides the combined advantages of 'one country' and 'two systems'. We offer you the rule of law, intellectual property rights protection, English as one of the official and commonly used languages, open society and international lifestyle. And we also offer unique connectivity to the Mainland of China."
Mr Leung added, "What's more, we have been the freest economy in the world for 22 consecutive years - as endorsed by the US Heritage Foundation."
Mr Leung also visited the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi to see for himself the demonstration of a variety of technologies developed by the Institute.
In the evening, the Chief Executive will call on the External Affairs Minister of India, Mrs Sushma Swaraj, to discuss ways to further enhance bilateral ties between Hong Kong and India. Mr Leung will also deliver a keynote speech at the dinner hosted by Hong Kong Trade Development Council, where he will provide an update on the business opportunities between Hong Kong and India.
Mr Leung will leave New Delhi tomorrow (February 5) and return to Hong Kong in the morning on the same day.
Ends/Thursday, February 4, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:56
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