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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, has today (November 6, Brussels time) urged Belgian companies to leverage Hong Kong's strengths as the major international business services hub in Asia, and particularly for China.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Chief Executive said Hong Kong offered the complete range of business and commerce opportunities to Belgian companies, with the built-in confidence that comes from dealing with a trusted trading partner.
"Hong Kong's record speaks for itself: our international perspective and professionalism have made us Asia's world city, with a can-do reputation built on quality and integrity," he told about 150 guests at the seminar.
"International companies in Hong Kong, SMEs included, reap the benefits of a transparent window to manufacturing, sourcing and trading in China, as well as the rest of Asia.
"As well as Western business practices and unparalleled knowledge of the Mainland market, we offer a simple tax system, corruption-free government and a trusted legal system."
Mr Tsang said Hong Kong's prime location in East Asia was unsurpassed, particularly its proximity to the "factory of the world" in the Pearl River Delta.
"The concentration of manufacturing activities in the PRD draws international customers and companies from all over the globe. Hong Kong is the international nerve centre for the phenomenal economic development of the PRD," he said.
"Our smooth Reunification with China has also brought considerable benefits to business and trade. Nearly 10 years after Reunification, the innovative concept of "One Country, Two Systems" has proved to be not only workable, but a resounding success."
Mr Tsang said the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) with the Mainland - offering enhanced access for Hong Kong goods and services - made Hong Kong the natural first choice for overseas small-and-medium-sized enterprises looking to trade or to source products.
"The vast Mainland market can be daunting to novices," he said.
"My message to you is simple and clear: come to us and you will be in safe hands. I invite you to make Hong Kong your trusted partner and business eyes and ears in China. We won't let you down."
Earlier in the day Mr Tsang visited the historic city of Ghent where he was welcomed by the Governor of East Flanders, Mr Andre Denys and the Mayor of Ghent, Mr Frank Beke.
Speaking during a lunch in his honour, Mr Tsang said that Hong Kong and Belgium shared many similar traits, including a strategic location and expertise in logistics, shipping and aviation.
"We can build on these similarities. Belgium is at the heart of the European community - Hong Kong is at the heart of Asia," he said.
"We have strong links already. I assure you that I want to see that relationship continue to grow."
Mr Tsang also told Governor Denys and Mayor Beke that he was impressed how Ghent had managed to preserve its heritage while at the same time remain a modern city.
"You have managed beautifully to blend the old and the new in Ghent. This is something that we in Hong Kong can learn from as we meet the challenges of modern day development," he said.
On November 7, Mr Tsang will meet the President of the European Commission, Mr Jose Barroso and deliver keynote speeches at the Royal Institute for International Affairs and a VIP dinner co-hosted by the Belgium - Hong Kong Society and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Brussels.
Ends/Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Issued at HKT 01:39
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