Hong Kong is well-placed to be the gateway, springboard and crucial link in all ventures for Vietnam under the Belt & Road Initiative.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau made the statement at a business luncheon in Ho Chi Minh City today.

Being an international financial, trade and logistics centre well-versed in cross-boundary transactions and projects, he said Hong Kong stands ready to partner with Vietnamese enterprises in grasping opportunities emerging from the Belt & Road Initiative.

He said typical services required in mega infrastructural investment projects are readily available in Hong Kong and can be expertly provided.

Hong Kong's professional sectors are highly specialised and sophisticated, and they maintain high international standards.

"For us, the Asian market is so important that no one can afford to miss out and there is no better place than Hong Kong as a regional hub for professional services for this fast-growing market."

Mr Yau met Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong and called on Chinese Consul General Chen Dehai.

His delegation met the representatives of the Ho Chi Minh City Export Processing & Industrial Zones Authority and toured the industrial park there.

They also attended a briefing given by the city's Investment & Trade Promotion Center, met the representatives of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, and had a dinner with Chinese and local businessmen.