Chief Executive CY Leung met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today.
During the meeting Mr Leung highlighted Hong Kong's role as the super-connector for Indian business to explore opportunities in the Mainland and the region.
He noted that the 40-strong Hong Kong business delegation joining his visit to India comprises top business leaders from major chambers of commerce and professional services sectors, which represents Hong Kong's strength and underlines the tremendous business interest in India.
He encouraged Indian government and business leaders to visit Hong Kong and meet with local business leaders in high-level round-table meetings to explore opportunities.
The Chief Executive also announced that Hong Kong and India will launch negotiations on an Investment Promotion & Protection Agreement.
He noted that India is the world's ninth largest economy and ranked seventh among Hong Kong's trading partners in 2014.
"With India's tremendous economic potential, trade and investment between Hong Kong and India are expected to expand continuously in the coming years and the agreement will further strengthen the economic and investment ties between the two places, bringing mutual economic benefits," Mr Leung said.
The negotiations will send a positive signal to both places' business communities and help strengthen investor confidence and boost bilateral investment flows.
Hong Kong and India have longstanding community ties and there is a lot of potential for further deepening and broadening the people-to-people bonds, including student exchanges, he added.
