FS visits Chongqing (with photo)
********************************

     The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, began his packed schedule in Chongqing today (April 19) by visiting various strategic developments and enterprises to explore business opportunities in one of the fastest growing economies in China.

     Mr Tsang first visited the Chongqing Planning Exhibition Gallery, which is among the largest planning and infrastructure exhibition galleries in China.  He was given a briefing on Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, the third municipal-level new area set up with the approval of the State Council after Shanghai Pudong New Area and Tianjin Binhai New Area.

     Mr Tsang noted that Liangjiang New Area marked a milestone in the development of the Chongqing Municipality and offered significant business opportunities for Hong Kong businessmen.

     This was followed by a tour of the Chongqing Haifu Technology Co Ltd, a leading manufacturer of noninvasive ultrasound therapeutic systems.

     Later in the day, Mr Tsang visited Chongqing Lianglu Cutan Free Trade Port Area and Chongqing Xiyong Micro-electronics Industrial Park to witness the rapid growth of information technology manufacturing bases - and where a number of large companies, such as Hewlett-Packard, are now successfully stationed.

     In the evening, Mr Tsang called on the Party Secretary of Chongqing Municipal Committee, Mr Bo Xilai, and attended a dinner hosted by Chongqing Municipal Government.  Mr Tsang hoped the two places could foster closer co-operation in service industries and promote greater two-way investment.

     Mr Tsang will conclude his visit to Chongqing and return to Hong Kong tomorrow (April 20).

Ends/Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:35

NNNN