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The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, today (November 18, Bucharest time) continued his visit to Bucharest, Romania.
Mr Tsang first had a meeting with Romania's State Secretary for Public Finance, Mr Attila György. Mr Tsang exchanged views with Mr György on how the Romanian enterprises can take advantage of Hong Kong's excellent business environment and professional services in tapping the enormous Asian markets. They also signed an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation on behalf of the two governments.
This was followed by a meeting with the Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania, Mr Aurelian Gogulescu. Mr Tsang updated Mr Gogulescu on Hong Kong's latest business environment and the massive business opportunities under the "Belt and Road" initiative.
Mr Tsang then delivered a keynote speech at a business seminar on "Opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative", highlighting how the "Belt and Road" will emerge as a driving force of the world economy in the 21st century.
"Through the 'Belt and Road' initiative, we expect to see soaring investments in infrastructural facilities, deepening financial integration, expanding trade and the building of people-to-people bonds on a global scale.
"As trade and other economic activities along the 'Belt and Road' expand, demand for Renminbi trade settlement will also rise. Hong Kong's Renminbi trade settlement system is well placed to respond to that demand.
"Our Renminbi debt market has grown rapidly in recent years. It provides a reliable channel for companies issuing Renminbi bonds to meet project funding needs," he said.
Mr Tsang held a meeting with the State Secretary of Romania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms Carmen Burlacu, in the afternoon. Both sides looked forward to strengthening the economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Romania.
Having concluded the visit, Mr Tsang will return to Hong Kong in the morning on Friday (November 20).
Ends/Thursday, November 19, 2015
Issued at HKT 00:02
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