Financial Secretary Henry Tang left Hong Kong today for an overseas duty visit to the US and UK.

Mr Tang will first visit New York, where he will meet with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's senior management, business leaders and financial services organisations.

Mr Tang will fly to London on January 14, where he will meet with the Financial Services Authority Chairman, business leaders and financial services organisations. He will also speak at a luncheon hosted by the HK Association.

He will return to Hong Kong on January 16. During his absence, Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip will act as Financial Secretary.