In session: Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang tours South Korea's National Assembly Building in Seoul.

Hong Kong has both the hardware and software necessary to be an international financial centre, Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang says.

On the final day of his South Korean visit, Mr Tsang today briefed the country's financial and political leaders about Hong Kong's unique advantages as an international financial centre.

He also updated his hosts on the post-SARS economic recovery in Hong Kong, and the signing of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement with the Mainland.

He spoke at a breakfast roundtable discussion with the Seoul Financial Forum, a think-tank comprising senior business leaders and academics; a luncheon for National Assembly Lawmakers; and a briefing for Korean journalists.

He also held a private meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly Park Kwan Yong.

Mr Tsang pointed to the emerging manufacturing powerhouse of the Pearl River Delta as an important element in helping Hong Kong consolidate its position as the premier international financial centre for China.

Hong Kong is the ideal partner for overseas companies looking to profit in the delta region he said, adding that Hong Kong offers capital, expertise, Mainland networks and sophisticated business services.

Several business leaders expressed interest in the delta and Mr Tsang's "win-win-win formula" involving Korean technology, Mainland manufacturing and Hong Kong capital and services expertise.

Mr Tsang said the Koreans were particularly interested in how they could take advantage of CEPA, especially in the area of logistics.

They also enquired about the services provided by InvestHK to help them set up in the Hong Kong and take advantage of new opportunities arising from CEPA and the delta area.