Press Release - September 14, 2004

The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Canada) (HKETO), Mr. Bassanio So, today (September 14) met with the Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mr. Joe Cordiano, in Toronto to promote better economic and trade co-operation between Hong Kong and Ontario.

During the meeting, Director So updated Mr. Cordiano on the latest economic developments in Hong Kong and its economic integration with the Pearl River Delta.

Mr. So said : �Ontario has been very successful in promoting high-tech sectors, e.g. the high-tech belt linking Ottawa, Toronto and Waterloo-Kitchener region. Hong Kong offers great opportunities for these Canadian firms to gain instant access to the Chinese market.�

Today�s meeting with the Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Trade was another initiative of the HKETO in promoting bilateral economic and trade ties between Canada and Hong Kong, following last Friday�s (September 10) meeting with the Federal Minister of International Trade, the Hon. Jim Peterson.

Photo shows HKETO Director Bassanio So (left) presenting a souvenir to the Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mr. Joe Cordiano, after the meeting.