Tech talk: Chief Executive Donald Tsang proposes a toast to guests at the Hong Kong networking luncheon in Jilin.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says Hong Kong can help Jilin companies further develop technology and increase productivity, adding researchers from the two places can co-operate closely in their work.

Speaking at the Hong Kong-Jilin Business Co-operation Symposium, he encouraged Jilin enterprises to set up branches in Hong Kong and use Hong Kong's marketing expertise to develop their brands and reach out to the international market.

Mr Tsang said by the end of 2007, about 520 Hong Kong companies had established business in Jilin, with an investment reaching US$1.8 billion.

Ten enterprises from Jilin had invested in Hong Kong, with a capital totalling more than US$16 million. There were also six Jilin enterprises listed in Hong Kong.

All these demonstrated the achievement of close co-operation between the two places, he added.

After the symposium, Mr Tsang and the Hong Kong business delegation attended a networking lunch and then left for Shenyang in Liaoning Province.