September 10, 2004

The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Canada) (HKETO), Mr. Bassanio So, today (September 10) met with the Minister of International Trade, the Hon. Jim Peterson, in Toronto to explore mutual ways about how Canadian businesses could leverage on Hong Kong�s advantages to gain access to the China market.

During the meeting, Director So updated Minister Peterson on the latest economic developments in Hong Kong and its economic 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 said: �Hong Kong offers great opportunities for Canadian firms, especially those in high value-added or high-tech sectors. Hong Kong has well-established financial and legal framework. Co-operating with a Hong Kong partner provides an instant array of business contacts in China and ensures a faster access to the Chinese market. In fact, Canadian firms have been successful in many sectors in Hong Kong.�

Mr. So also updated the Minister of International Trade 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 Peterson to visit Hong Kong in the near future.

Photo shows HKETO Director Bassanio So (left) presenting a souvenir to the Minister of International Trade, the Hon. Jim Peterson, after the meeting.