August 12, 2004

The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Canada) (HKETO), Mr. Bassanio So, today (August 12) met with the Minister of Industry, the Hon. David Emerson, in Vancouver to explore mutual ways how Canadian industries could capitalize on Hong Kong�s advantages to access the China market.

During the meeting, Director So updated Minister Emerson on the latest economic developments in Hong Kong and its integration with the Pearl River Delta, and discussed with him ways to foster closer bilateral economic and trade ties between Canada and Hong Kong.

Mr. So also briefed the Minister of Industry on the �Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement� (CEPA) signed between Hong Kong and Mainland China and how Canadian companies can take advantage of this free trade agreement to gain faster access to the Mainland China market through Hong Kong.

Director So also invited Minister Emerson to visit Hong Kong in the near future.

Photo shows HKETO Director Bassanio So (left) presenting a souvenir to the Minister of Industry, the Hon. David Emerson, after the meeting.