Welcome mat: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev greets Chief Executive Donald Tsang in Moscow.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang called on Russian President Dmitry Medvedev as he began his three-day visit to Moscow.

Mr Tsang told the President Russian business people could take advantage of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement to tap the Mainland market, and that Russian companies with business conncections in China could consider listing in Hong Kong. An update of relevant listing rules in June made it possible for mining and resource companies to list in Hong Kong, he noted. 

He also encouraged Russian companies to issue Renminbi bonds in Hong Kong, adding that Russian banks are welcome to set up in Hong Kong and make use of the Renminbi clearing and settlement system.

The two leaders saw room for cooperation in academic and cultural exchanges, and cooperation in information technology and environmental engineering. 

Both hoped that business people from both places would take the opportunity of this visit to network. The Chief Executive also invited Mr Medvedev to lead a business delegation on a visit to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Limited Chairman Ronald Arculli, Securities & Futures Commission Chairman Eddy Fong, and Hong Kong Association of Banks Chairman Benjamin Hung also attended the meeting with the Russian president.