Calgarians are reminded that in addition to their busy shopping schedules while in Hong Kong, they should also look for business opportunities and explore the exciting prospects for business.

"Hong Kong is one of the world's most preferred business bases for multi-national enterprises, with more than 3,000 corporations already set up their regional headquarters and regional offices in Hong Kong," Mrs Rosanna Ure, Director, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, told the gathering at a Chinese New Year Reception at Calgary today (February 5).

"Hong Kong is not just a place where East meets West, it is Asia's most diverse city - energetic and inspiring.

"In its efforts to help inward investment, Hong Kong also offers solution-oriented investment promotion, facilitative and after care services to prospective and existing foreign investors," Mrs Ure said.

Ranked the world's freest economy for the seventh successful year by the U.S. Heritage Foundation, Hong Kong maintains a duty-free port where no quotas or tariffs apply, she pointed out, adding that money, goods and services flow without restriction.

"With China's imminent entry into the World Trade Organisation, Hong Kong's role as the gateway to China will become more important.

"This is because no other economy in the region can match Hong Kong's entrepreneurial experience and networks in the Mainland market," Mrs Ure said.

Welcoming home the Calgary Stampede on the same occasion, she congratulated the team for their successful participation in the Chinese New Year Parade and their promotional activities at the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

"Cultural exchanges no doubt will bring closer the people of both places and better mutual understanding which is the prerequisite for investment and trade ties.

"Canadian businesses have flourished in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Canada will continue to promote economic exchanges and growth which will benefit both Hong Kong and Canada," Mrs Ure said.

For further information please contact Chief Information Officer, Jean Chan [email protected].