Chief Executive Donald Tsang says the strong economic and social ties between Hong Kong and Canada will be instrumental in supporting Canada's initiative to double the level of its trade and investment relationship with China by 2010.

Speaking at a Pearl River Delta dinner in Vancouver, Mr Tsang said the connection between Canada and Hong Kong has strengthened during the past five years.

Almost a quarter of a million residents of Hong Kong who are Canadian passport holders and about 1.1 million people - nearly one-sixth of Hong Kong's population - have close family links to Canada, and about 8% of Hong Kong's population has studied in Canada.

Hong Kong updates: Chief Executive Donald Tsang meets British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell and chats with the Canadian community at the Pearl River Delta dinner and on a phone-in programme.

Strong links nurture economic partnership

"Strong social links like these have nurtured the ever-growing and vibrant economic partnership between us," he said.

"Hong Kong businesses have invested C$5.3 billion here in Canada, making Hong Kong Canada's eighth-largest investor, and the second biggest from Asia. "

In this way, Hong Kong people have helped fuel the economies of British Columbia and Canada, Mr Tsang added.

"And it works both ways, of course. Hong Kong is now home to the largest Canadian business community in Asia. One hundred and fifty Canadian companies maintain branches or subsidiaries in Hong Kong, and another 450 are represented by distributors, agents or joint-venture partners."

Apart from attending the dinner, Mr Tsang also went on radio in Canada to explain the latest developments in Hong Kong - the first Chief Executive to participate on a live phone-in programme in Canada.

He was guest of honour during an hour-long interview and phone-in programme hosted by Hong Kong legislator Albert Cheng on radio station AM1320.

Wide range of issues discussed

During the Chinese-language programme, Mr Tsang chatted with listeners in the Vancouver area and gave them an overview of Hong Kong's economic prospects and political development.

He discussed a range of issues including Hong Kong-Canada ties, the quality of life in Hong Kong, job opportunities for professionals and young people, political development, the Policy Address, air pollution and environmental protection.  

Mr Tsang also met British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell, and provided him with an update on Hong Kong's GDP growth, the exciting developments in the tourism industry and the improving employment situation.

The Chief Executive outlined the benefits of enhanced economic co-operation with the Mainland, in particular the potential of the Pan-PRD area and the operation of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement.

Mr Tsang also highlighted Hong Kong's strengths as the best gateway for Canadian companies to enter the Mainland market, and for Mainland companies to explore opportunities globally, including in Canada.

US visit to start

The two further discussed British Columbia's recently launched Asia-Pacific strategy to promote the province's trade, tourism and cultural opportunities and to strengthen relations with Asia-Pacific economies, including Hong Kong.