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Hong Kong and the European Community have pledged to boost links in areas of common interest, the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, and the President of the European Commission, Mr Jose Manuel Barroso, announced today (November 7 Brussels time) in Brussels.
A joint statement issued after their meeting at the European Commission headquarters said Hong Kong and the European Union shared many common interests as economic partners.
"The European Commission has recently published a Communication on Hong Kong recognising that the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle is working well," the statement said.
"Hong Kong welcomes this and also the proposal to further enhance the existing close co-operation between Hong Kong and the EU on trade, economic and other areas within Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy under the Basic Law.
"At our last meeting in Hong Kong in July 2005 we agreed to explore options for a more structured dialogue between the European Commission and the HKSAR Government to help foster understanding and to broaden and deepen co-operation in areas of common interest.
"This dialogue has now been agreed and we have asked our senior officials to ensure that it is implemented smoothly and quickly."
Mr Tsang said Hong Kong and the EU remained committed to an early resumption and successful conclusion of the Doha Development Round negotiations in the World Trade Organisation.
He said it was agreed during his meeting that Hong Kong provided European companies with an unrivalled platform from which to develop their commercial interests in Asia.
"EU companies benefit from the HKSAR Government's efforts to provide an efficient business environment for all," he said.
During the meeting with Mr Barroso, Mr Tsang took the opportunity to commend Dr Margaret Chan for the position of Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) ahead of a final vote by the WHO's Executive Committee on November 8.
Earlier in the day, Mr Tsang delivered a keynote speech at the Royal Institute for International Affairs where he outlined Hong Kong's development since Reunification in 1997 and the strategy that will underpin Hong Kong's future development as Asia's world city under the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle.
"Hong Kong is now poised to enter a new phase of development, a phase of development firmly underpinned by a competitive advantage that is second to none in Asia," he told more than 100 luncheon guests.
"We have the international connections, the experience and the global outlook to continue as the premier international business hub in East Asia.
"We have CEPA, which gives us enhanced access to the China market for our goods and services.
"We have the Pan-PRD initiative, which will unlock the huge economic potential of a vast market - with Hong Kong providing the high-end business services and the management of capital flows.
"And, we have a clearly defined role in our country's development blueprint for the next five years.
"The implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems' has added another dimension to our recipe for success on top of our role as Asia's world city - our role as the most open, free and international city in China. 'One city, two roles'."
During a question and answer after the lunch Mr Tsang said Hong Kong was very proud that China would be hosting the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and that Hong Kong would be hosting the equestrian events.
"This is a major national event for ourselves. Hong Kong is helping and participating in a very active way, not only participating in the construction of the venues in Beijing but also hosting one major event in Hong Kong," he said.
"We intend to host perhaps the best equestrian events that you have seen in the Olympics in Hong Kong - that's what we intend to do."
Later that day, Mr Tsang delivered another keynote speech at a Gala Dinner hosted by the Belgium - Hong Kong Society and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Brussels.
During the dinner, Mr Tsang updated the 150 guests on the advantages of using Hong Kong as the premier business platform in Asia and China.
Earlier in the day, Mr Tsang visited Brussels City Hall, where he was greeted by the Mayor of Brussels, Mr Freddy Thielemans.
Tomorrow, Mr Tsang will hold a range of political calls, including meetings with the Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, Belgian Finance Minister Didier Reynards and the Speaker of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives, Mr Herman de Croo.
Mr Tsang will also witness the signing of an agreement on the transfer of Sentenced Persons between Hong Kong and Belgium.
Ends/Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Issued at HKT 01:45
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