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The direct flight link between Hong Kong and Kagoshima will further strengthen trade, cultural and tourism ties between the two places.
This was stated by Principal Economic and Trade Representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in Japan Mrs Jennie Chok, during a reception hosted by the Governor of Kagoshima today (April 28) celebrating the inauguration of the Hong Kong - Kagoshima direct flight.
"I believe this efficient transport link to Hong Kong will enable Kagoshima businesses to become more competitive in expanding into the lucrative Hong Kong market, in terms of attracting in-bound tourists and exporting, for example, fresh produce to Hong Kong, which by the way is already Japan's largest export market for food and agricultural products," she said.
Mrs Chok further pointed out that Hong Kong was a place where foreign businesses could easily reach the more than 40 million people living in the Pearl River Delta which was a vibrant region with possibly the highest average income level in Mainland China. She encouraged Kagoshima companies to take advantage of the direct flight link to participate in the many commercial activities and trade fairs that were held almost continuously in Hong Kong, and from there to tap into the Mainland market.
In her address to the more than 100 political, administrative and business leaders of Kagoshima attending the reception, Mrs Chok also highlighted the competitive edges of the Hong Kong International Airport which had an extensive flight network covering more than 150 destinations around the world with more than 5,700 flights per week operated by more than 80 international airlines.
"The direct flight link to Hong Kong will facilitate Kagoshima people and businesses to make use of the Hong Kong International Airport to connect efficiently with the rest of the world, and to send their products to global destinations via Hong Kong," Mrs Chok said.
Ends/Monday, April 28, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:00
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