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The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, witnessed the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Hong Kong and Chile in Vladivostok, Russia, today (September 7).
The Agreement was signed by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile, Mr Alfredo Moreno, in the presence of the President of Chile, Mr Sebastián Piñera, and Mr Tsang.
Mr Tsang said he was very pleased to see the successful conclusion of the Agreement and believes that it could help develop new commercial channels and promote further liberalisation between the two economies.
A meeting between the Financial Secretary and the Minister of Regional Development of the Russian Federation, Mr Oleg Govorun, took place earlier today. At the meeting, Mr Tsang and Mr Govorun exchanged views on the opportunities for expanding bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Russia.
"The far-eastern part of Russia is the Russian region closest to Hong Kong. We hope to forge a closer partnership with the fast-emerging Russian far east and other regions," said Mr Tsang.
At the request of Mr Govorun, Mr Tsang also introduced Mr Govorun to Hong Kong's key infrastructure planning concepts.
Mr Tsang is currently in Vladivostok, Russia, to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting and APEC CEO Summit on September 8 and 9 on behalf of the Chief Executive. He will return to Hong Kong on September 11.
Ends/Friday, September 7, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:47
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