HK Trade Mission Seeks Co-op in WestHong Kong kicked off its largest ever official trade mission to western China yesterday in an attempt to explore business opportunities and forge a closer economic partnership with the country's underdeveloped hinterland.The delegation, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang, arrived in this capital city of Shaanxi Province yesterday afternoon, the first stop of a 10-day trip which will also take it to Beijing, Chengdu and Urumqi. Comprising more than 280 government officials, heads of major corporations, professionals and journalists, the visit was in response to the central government's call to develop western China, Tsang told the media. The chief secretary said he did not expect the trip to immediately result in lots of contracts, but described it as a chance for Hong Kong to get some first-hand information on the investment climate in the vast inland regions. "We are here to make friends, establish business contactsand better understand the mainland market," the chief secretary said. "And I hope it will be followed up by more visits." Kwok Ping Kwong, deputy chairman of Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd, said he was there to see for himself the investment climate in western China, adding that his firm could invest in any feasible area. He said he saw tremendous opportunities in the west but cautioned that successful investment is a test of patience. Provincial leaders of Shaanxi were all out yesterday to meet the Hong Kong group and briefed the visitors on the province's economic performance and potential. |
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