Hong Kong and Fujian have held a seminar in Zurich to encourage Swiss investors to consider business opportunities in the Pan-Pearl River Delta region.

Director-General of Investment Promotion Simon Galpin highlighted the synergy of economic co-operation in the Pan-PRD region to the 130 senior business executives at the seminar today.

"Hong Kong-Pan PRD co-operation has contributed greatly to the prosperity of Mainland China and the region as a whole. Many foreign investors have found it attractive to perform their service activities in Hong Kong while placing their manufacturing facilities in the Mainland.

"As the main window to access the Pan-PRD region, Hong Kong and Fujian together present a winning solution for Swiss companies, both large and small, to grasp the immense business opportunities in Mainland China. Hong Kong is a natural entry point for Swiss companies to explore the Mainland market, and a logical place from which to manage operations across the border."

Noting Hong Kong's banking system, legal set-up, infrastructure and logistics are of a high international standard, he said these advantages produce complementary strengths for the city and the rest of the Pan-PRD region in terms of their professional knowledge, management skills and international experience.

The Swiss business community has long played an important role in Hong Kong's economic development. Last year two-way trade between Switzerland and the city totalled $55.9 billion. The country was Hong Kong's 12th largest foreign investor in 2008, contributing $42.2 billion.