Tokyo talk: Bank of Japan Governor Toshihiko Fukui chats with Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Frederick Ma and Principal Hong Kong Economic & Trade Representative (Tokyo) Alex Fong.

Hong Kong's financial markets are well-developed, liquid, efficient and have demonstrated strong resilience in the face of external shocks and cyclical downturn, making the city unique in its position as a gateway to the Mainland.

This was the message today from Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Frederick Ma in Tokyo to urge Japanese companies to establish a foothold in Hong Kong to explore Mainland business opportunities.

Mr Ma said apart from the transparent, open and fair regulatory system and world-class market infrastructure, Hong Kong's close relations with the Mainland and the successful implementation of the One Country, Two Systems formula has placed it in a unique position.

"The remarkable economic growth on the Mainland provides great opportunities for the further development of Hong Kong's financial markets. Hong Kong is playing a significant and unique role as the gateway for investors around the globe, including those from Japan, to the China market, and I see a great future for Hong Kong as the premier capital formation centre for Mainland enterprises," Mr Ma said.

To reinforce Hong Kong's leading position, efforts have been made to establish a world-class regulatory framework, foster strong corporate governance and promote market development, he said.

The Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement and the launch of the Renminbi personal banking business in Hong Kong have also promoted closer economic ties with the Mainland.