HONG KONG, March 16 -- The Investment Promotion & Protection Agreement between Hong Kong and Finland came into force Sunday.

The Trade & Industry Department of Hong Kong government says that under the agreement, the two sides will provide equal treatment of investors, compensation for expropriation of investments, free transfer abroad of investments and settlement of investment disputes in accordance with internationally accepted rules.

It will facilitate investment and trade flows between Hong Kong and Finland, benefiting both places' economic development.

The agreement will be effective for 15 years, and remain in force unless either party terminates it.

Hong Kong has so far signed the same agreement with 17 economies.