Russian premiere: Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Frederick Ma (third from left) attends HK Chinese Orchestra's first-ever concert in St Petersburg.

Hong Kong can offer Russian business people value-added connectivity through unrivalled access to China - the largest and most dynamic market the world has ever seen, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Frederick Ma says.

Speaking at a Trade Development Council seminar in St Petersburg, Russia today, Mr Ma said Hong Kong's high degree of economic autonomy under 'One country, two systems', and strategic position under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement with the Mainland have given rise to this unrivalled connectivity that will benefit overseas partners setting up operations in Hong Kong.

Tourism ties urged

Mr Ma arrived in St Petersburg together with a high-level trade delegation yesterday, and gave a briefing to Russian local media to promote better understanding about Hong Kong's economic advantages with TDC Executive Director Fred Lam. Apart from speaking on potential trade growth between Hong Kong and Russia, Mr Ma also encouraged more co-operation between the tourism sectors.

Last night Mr Ma presented the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra's first-ever concert in St Petersburg at the State Academic Capella.

Mr Ma will meet St Petersburg City Government Vice Governor Mikhail Oseevsky and have lunch with major industry leaders and St Petersburg City Centre for Cooperation with Asia Pacific representatives before returning to Hong Kong on September 30.