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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, today (August 11, Melbourne time) continued his visit in Melbourne, Australia.
In the morning, Mr So paid a visit to the Kangan Institute, a technical and further education provider. He visited its Centre for Fashion and Creative Industries and the Textile and Fashion Hub, which provide cutting-edge technologies for use by both small and medium-sized enterprises and students. During his visit to the Institute, Mr So met with the Interim Chief Executive Officer, Ms Amanda Brook, and delegates from the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia to learn about the development of the fashion industry in Australia.
Mr So then attended a boardroom lunch organised by the Business Council of Australia, during which he had exchanges with business leaders. Noting that Hong Kong and Australia have maintained strong economic and trade relations, Mr So said Hong Kong was Australia's sixth largest source of investment as of 2014 with a total investment of AUD77 billion, while Hong Kong-Australia bilateral trade in goods and services reached over AUD8.5 billion in 2014. Mr So shared with the participants what business opportunities Hong Kong can offer for Australian investors under the "One Belt, One Road" initiatives and in other areas. He also took the opportunity to encourage Australian business delegations to make use of Hong Kong's many trade shows to reach out to buyers from Mainland China and other parts of the world.
In the afternoon, Mr So met with the Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Minister for Sport and Minister for Veterans of Victoria, Mr John Eren, to exchange views on matters of mutual interest. He then called on the Chinese Consul-General in Melbourne, Mr Song Yumin.
Mr So will depart for Canberra in the evening. He will meet with senior government officials of Australia tomorrow (August 12) to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Hong Kong and Australia.
Ends/Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:07
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