Algernon Yau visits Singapore

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau met senior officials and business leaders in Singapore to deepen trade and economic ties, and explore collaboration opportunities during his visit from September 22 to 24.

âMr Yau updated representatives from major business chambers of Singapore on Hong Kong's latest developments and measures on assisting enterprises in setting up businesses in the city.

They include the Singapore Business Federation, the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises of Singapore, the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

He appealed to the Singaporean business sector to leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages to explore the vast opportunities in the Mainland market, particularly the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Yesterday, Mr Yau had a lunch meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade & Industry of Singapore Gan Kim Yong to discuss various trade and economic issues, and the regional economic landscape.

Mr Yau thanked Singapore for supporting Hong Kong's application for joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

He noted that Hong Kong always treasures Singapore as a valuable economic partner both on its own and as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) family.

By joining the RCEP, Hong Kong can contribute to the wider and deeper economic co-operation and integration in the region, Mr Yau added.

âThe commerce chief also paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Cao Zhongming to update him on Hong Kongâs latest situation.

âMr Yau then attended a dinner with Hong Kong entrepreneurs and executives working in Singapore to hear more about their work and lives.

Today, âhe met Singapore Economic Development Board Chairman Png Cheong Boon to learn about Singaporeâs latest developments and exchange views on investment promotion, saying he looked forward to further collaboration between Hong Kong and Singapore in different areas with a view to fostering even closer relations between the two economies.

Noting that Hong Kong and Singapore have long been enjoying close and cordial bilateral trade and economic relations, Mr Yau highlighted that Singapore is Hong Kong's fourth-largest trading partner and largest partner among the ASEAN member states in merchandise trade, as well as Hong Kong's seventh-largest investor and sixth-largest destination of outward investment.

The commerce chief will return to Hong Kong this evening.