Greater Pearl River Delta Business Council Chairman Dr Victor Fung says Hong Kong can strengthen ties with southwestern regions by bolstering co-operation with the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Dr Fung, leading a delegation to Guangxi, said the autonomous region held a unique position in the Pan-Pearl River Delta region.

"It is strategically located because it is close to ASEAN countries. It also serves as a gateway to the southwestern provinces."

Noting Hong Kong has been working with Guangdong Province for many years, Dr Fung said it is a good time to extend its co-operation experience to cover the Pan-PRD region.

"Pan-PRD regional co-operation has significantly enlarged Hong Kong's economic catchment area and market," he said.

"Hong Kong offers a good platform to attract Mainland enterprises in the region to raise capital in Hong Kong. These enterprises can also use the professional services provided in Hong Kong to explore the international market."