Put it there: Henry Tang meets Finnish Minister of Transport & Communications Kimmo Sasi in Helsinki.

The Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Henry Tang arrived in Helsinki for a two-day visit on March 13.

He briefed Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade Jari Vilen on the latest developments in the Pearl River Delta Region and explained how Hong Kong was a strategic platform for Finnish companies to develop in markets on the Mainland and throughout Asia.

"Hong Kong is an ideal operational base and launching pad for Finnish IT companies to develop their business operations in the Delta. We are indeed a hub, an integrator, a facilitator, a risk manager and supply chain manager for overseas companies," Mr Tang said.

Mr Vilen said: "Hong Kong already serves as an attractive platform for Finnish companies wishing to enter into and conduct business in the Delta. Hong Kong offers a very competitive business climate, very good infrastructure and a base for access to large markets. Indeed, Finnish companies have already discovered the sizable opportunities that Hong Kong can offer."

Mr Tang also met Minister of Transport & Communications Kimmo Sasi.

Among other issues, they exchanged views on the telecommunications market, experiences in e-government and 3G licences, and the introduction of digital television in Finland.

Mr Tang visited the National Technology Agency and discussed opportunities for further collaboration between the two economies.

He also went to Helsinki University of Technology and its extension, the Technology Center Innopoli.

Mr Tang returns on March 15.