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The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore, Mr Fong Ngai, attended the Chinese New Year Celebration Gala Dinner organised by the Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association in Bangkok, Thailand, today (March 5).
Addressing guests at the Gala Dinner, Mr Fong said that Thailand and Hong Kong have enjoyed close economic relations, with total bilateral trade amounting to US$17.5 billion in 2014, an increase of 14 per cent year on year. Hong Kong was also among the top five investors in Thailand in 2013 and 2014.
"Thailand is among the top tourist destinations for Hong Kong people. While I would love to make a trip with my family here again soon, coming often for business is also a pleasure - there are many business and collaboration opportunities to seize," Mr Fong said.
"I am particularly honoured to participate in the Gala Dinner organised by the Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association. The Association provides an excellent networking platform for all Thai and Hong Kong companies to promote business opportunities. With the Association's excellent network and the staunch support of my office's work over the years, my job in promoting Hong Kong and facilitating bilateral economic development has been made much easier," he added.
There are six Hong Kong-related business associations in the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, namely those in Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam and two newly established ones in Malaysia and the Philippines. Another one will soon be established in Indonesia. The expanding network of Hong Kong-related business associations demonstrates the strong role Hong Kong is playing and will continue to play in regional economic integration.
"The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, has outlined in his 2015-16 Budget that Hong Kong would leverage on the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative put forward by the Central Government and further strengthen ties with countries concerned, including those in the region. Hong Kong, as a 'super-connector', has much to bring to facilitate Thai businesses' entry into the Mainland market."
Mr Fong shared that the Hong Kong-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement being negotiated would further enhance integration and trade growth in the region, and expressed the hope that an early conclusion would bring mutual benefits to all concerned as soon as possible.
Some 160 representatives from the governments and business communities attended the gala dinner.
Ends/Thursday, March 5, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:53
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