The Hong Kong and Guangdong governments have jointly organised their first large-scale investment promotion event in Europe.

More than 700 executives from British and European companies are expected to attend the Hong Kong-Guangdong Business Seminar in London on October 26.

It will focus on the companies' prospects in the Greater Pearl River Delta region, with an aim to facilitate co-operation between Hong Kong, Guangdong and Europe.

Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang and Guangdong Governor Huang Huahua will deliver keynote speeches.

Immense trade opportunities offered

Guangdong Department of Foreign Trade & Economic Co-operation Director-General Liang Yaowen said the province has the largest economic capacity, fastest economic development and largest external trade, making it one the most attractive in China.

"It has now become a world-renowned manufacturing and export base and has strong economic ties with the European Union, particularly the UK. Well-known companies such as British Petroleum and Shell have already invested in Guangdong and achieved high returns," he said.

Invest Hong Kong Director-General of Investment Promotion Mike Rowse said Hong Kong is home to over 1,000 British companies with 300 of them operating regional headquarters or regional offices in the city.

These companies have helped Britain become Hong Kong's number one European trading partner and one of Hong Kong's largest overseas investors.

"Given the rapidly growing interest in the complementary advantages of setting up business operations in Hong Kong and manufacturing bases in Guangdong, we look forward to presenting this winning formula to UK investors at the seminar," Mr Rowse said.