Financial Secretary John Tsang met officials and spoke at a symposium in Milan on October 29 and 30.
Mr Tsang attended the Hong Kong Dinner in Milan and told Italian business and political leaders that Hong Kong is more than a business hub, it enjoys a good way of life.
Speaking at the Think Asia, Think Hong Kong symposium, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong has long been the global business centre of Asia, the city where talent and capital come together. He encouraged more Italian companies to capitalise on Asian business opportunities via Hong Kong.
"The growing Italian presence in Hong Kong reflects the business promise of Asia, particularly Mainland China and the emerging ASEAN economies. It also underlines Hong Kong's role as the natural springboard to these buoyant markets.
"We are geographically, culturally and economically connected to the Mainland, the world's fastest-growing economy, with a rapidly expanding consumer market. Hong Kong business people are the biggest foreign investors in every province of China. We know the Chinese market better than anybody else in the world.
"We are also a key player in the emerging ASEAN economies. In Hong Kong, you can always find ready partners, knowledgeable professionals and valuable advisers to help expand your business into Mainland China and Southeast Asia."
Mr Tsang next heads to London.
