Promoting partnership: Chief Executive Donald Tsang speaks at the dialogue session between the Pan-Pearl River Delta chief executives and ASEAN commerce ministers.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says Hong Kong can serve as a bridge connecting the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region with ASEAN countries in commerce and trade.

Speaking at the 3rd PPRD Regional Co-operation & Development Forum today, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong has established extensive economic and trade connections and transportation links with the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

"Hong Kong can assist ASEAN enterprises to invest in the PPRD region with its profound experience in interacting with the Mainland. It can also assist enterprises in the PPRD region to explore business opportunities in ASEAN countries and provide a platform for their development in ASEAN markets."

Substantive progress

Mr Tsang said the Government has made substantive progress in promoting co-operation with the PPRD region over the past year.

The Government will use its strengths in financial services, tourism, logistics, economic and trade and professional services, as well as its international experience and network, to promote regional development in collaboration with PPRD regions.

"Financial services is the focus in our co-operation with the PPRD region. The Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury will lead a delegation of the financial sector to Hunan in September to explore financial co-operation opportunities there. This is another important task following the visit by our financial-sector delegation to Fujian last year," Mr Tsang said.

Mr Tsang today also attended a PPRD leaders' conference to discuss future plans and a focus for regional co-operation. Special sector co-operation plans on transportation, energy, innovation and technology, informatisation and environmental protection, as well as the PPRD Regional Tourism Co-operation Guiding Opinion were endorsed at the meeting.

He also took part in a dialogue between PPRD leaders and ASEAN countries.

HK's strength

Speaking at a press briefing tonight, Mr Tsang said the Government will focus on capitalising Hong Kong's strength to promote development of the PPRD, adding that co-operation will enhance Hong Kong's economic activities and competitiveness.

When asked whether he had attended a pro-democracy concert in 1989 as claimed by the Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, Mr Tsang reiterated that he had never attended the function.

Noting the recent controversy about his suspected attendance in the concert is a groundless allegation, Mr Tsang said he has been attaching great importance to his personal integrity and cherishes public trust in him.