Delhi discussion: Indian Finance Minister Shri Palaniappan Chidambaram and Financial Secretary John Tsang in New Delhi.

Financial Secretary John Tsang has called for more flights between Hong Kong and India, hoping both jurisdictions can reach an air services agreement soon.

Mr Tsang today met Indian Finance Minister Shri Palaniappan Chidambaram in New Delhi. Mr Tsang raised the need for increased and more convenient air services between Hong Kong and India to cope with growing demand from increased business co-operation.

He hopes the air services negotiations with India that will start next week will come to a win-win conclusion.

Investment promotion

Another issue brought up at the meeting was negotiations for an Investment Promotion & Protection Agreement between Hong Kong and India. Both sides recognised the need for negotiations that started in 2003 to resume.

Also discussed this morning was double taxation. It was hoped an agreement can be reached on the matter to promote further business co-operation and exchange of talent between the two places.

Later in the day, Mr Tsang made a speech at a business luncheon hosted by the Standard Chartered Bank and spoke at a seminar organised by the Trade Development Council.