The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in Canada will open an office in Vancouver tomorrow (Tuesday) to strengthen and expand the work of the HKETO in the country, particularly in the western region.

The office, located inside a business centre, at suite 1300, Park Place, 666 Burrard Street (at Dunsmuir Street), will be operated on a trial basis for seven months, and will complement the work of the HKETO's head office in Toronto.

Although the office is based in Vancouver, it will function as a regional, logistical and support centre for HKETO's public relations and promotional activities in major cities in the western region of Canada.

Announcing the establishment of the new office, Mr Donald Tong, the Director of the HKETO said the opening of an office in Canada's second largest city was aimed at boosting closer economic and cultural ties between Hong Kong and western provinces, notably British Columbia and Alberta.

"Over the years, we have come to conclude that the best way to foster better bilateral relationship, and to reinforce the significant economic ties between Hong Kong and British Columbia and Alberta is to establish a physical presence of HKETO in Vancouver on the west coast," Mr Tong said.

"Although it is a small office, it is an important step. And it goes to show that we have taken the advice of our friends from the provinces in the western region of Canada."

Mr Tong said the office will be manned by an Information Consultant Mrs Catherine Yuen, whose duties will include answering public enquiries on Hong Kong, assisting in arranging bilateral meetings and seminars between business/government organisations and HKETO, and liaison with the media and community organisations.

He added that the consultant would be travelling to cities in the western region of Canada to assist in the coordination of various business and promotional activities that may be organised by the Toronto head office.

Various publications on Hong Kong, including booklets and pamphlets on trade and industry, will be available for collection at the centre.