Mission completed: Financial Secretary Henry Tang calls on the New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma on the last day of his Australasian visit.

Financial Secretary Henry Tang says Hong Kong's role as a two-way business platform was reaffirmed during his 10-day visit to New Zealand and Australia.

Concluding his visit today, Mr Tang said it has provided an excellent opportunity for him to discuss with a wide range of business and political leaders the role of Hong Kong as a two-way business platform for companies wanting to do business with the Mainland.

"I believe I have completed my mission in New Zealand and Australia. I met many senior business and government leaders, important think-tanks and policy research institutes as well as influential local media during my visit."

On the third and final day of his visit to Sydney, Mr Tang met New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma and other state government officials. He also attended a lunch reception with the Chinese community.

"The people here are amazed by the strong and rapid economic growth in the Mainland," Mr Tang said. "They are very much interested in Hong Kong's future role as a two-way platform, serving both as a launching pad for their investment into the Mainland and a facilitator of Mainland investment in their home countries.

"I can see there is lots of excitement in Hong Kong's strong economic recovery and our continuous success in serving as the service centre for businesses in the Mainland, in particular in the Pan-Pearl River Delta. I'm sure it will lead to further flows of people, merchandises and capital between Hong Kong and Australasia."

Mr Tang also promoted Hong Kong as a premier tourist destination.