Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau yesterday arrived in Bordeaux, where he met representatives of local technology startups and attended the Bordeaux Wine Festival.

On arriving in the French city, Mr Yau held a business roundtable involving representatives of startup network La French Tech Bordeaux, and Bordeaux-based technology startups. He briefed them on Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem and business-friendly environment for startups and entrepreneurs.

He emphasised that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is firmly committed to positioning Hong Kong as a leading innovation and technology hub where startups play a pivotal role.

The commerce chief encouraged Bordeaux’s startup community to expand operations into Hong Kong, leveraging the city’s strategic position as a gateway to the vast markets on the Mainland and elsewhere in Asia.

Mr Yau also paid a courtesy call on Bordeaux Mayor Pierre Hurmic, and briefed him on Hong Kong’s latest initiatives to drive economic development, including its reduction of liquor duty.

The two officials also exchanged views on forging closer bilateral relations with regard to startups and the wine and liquor industries.

Mr Yau’s Thursday engagements concluded with his attendance at the Bordeaux Wine Festival, France’s leading wine event.