Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau wrapped up his visit to Sydney, Australia, today by touring a beauty and wellness products enterprise, meeting the distillery sector, and attending a business luncheon and dinner.

He began the last day of his visit by making a courtesy call on Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Sydney Wang Yu.

During the meeting, Mr Yau updated Mr Wang on Hong Kong’s latest developments and measures to drive sustained economic growth, and consolidate and enhance the city’s status as an international trade centre.

This was followed by a tour of a beauty and wellness enterprise where Mr Yau exchanged views with the company’s senior management on the vast potential of the Asian market.

The commerce chief encouraged Australian enterprises to set up regional headquarters in Hong Kong to seize opportunities in Southeast Asian markets as well as the Mainland, in particular the Greater Bay Area.

Afterwards, Mr Yau had a lunch meeting with representatives of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and the local business community.

He sought to understand the needs and development directions of Australian enterprises, and discuss fostering closer business and trade co-operation between Hong Kong and Australia.

In the afternoon meeting with an Australian Distillers Association representative, Mr Yau gave an introduction on Hong Kong’s reduction in liquor duty in order to promote liquor trading and boost the development of high value-added industries.

Mr Yau also toured a distillery to understand more about the process of distilling and the development of Australian spirits.

He concluded the day by attending a business awards gala dinner organised by the Hong Kong Australia Business Association NSW Chapter, where he gave a speech highlighting Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, and the opportunities ahead for collaboration.

Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong tomorrow.