Gregory So concludes Japan visit

May 17, 2012

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So concluded his five-day visit to Japan in Osaka today, encouraging Japanese firms to invest in Hong Kong.
 
Speaking at the Think Global, Think Hong Kong Symposium, Mr So said Hong Kong has global advantages that can help Osaka's companies.
 
He said Hong Kong hosts 7,000 companies from the Mainland and around the world, and more than 1,000 of them are Japanese firms, which is second in number behind only the US. About 650 Japanese enterprises have set up their regional headquarters or regional offices in Hong Kong.
 
"According to InvestHK, the number of Japanese companies it assisted to set up in Hong Kong during the first three months of this year represented a 78% increase over the same period last year," Mr So said, adding Hong Kong plays an indispensable role as the premier gateway to the Mainland.
 
He said the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement is nationality-neutral. Japanese firms can enjoy the same benefits of arrangement as Hong Kong companies.
 
"Our efficient and reliable clearing platform provides an ideal opportunity for Japanese enterprises to settle trade transaction payments with their business partners in the Mainland using renminbi."