Financial Secretary John Tsang says Hong Kong is the best place in East Asia for Czech business people to develop their operations.

Addressing an executive business lunch in the Czech capital, Prague, he outlined opportunities for Czech companies in the wider Asia region, particularly in China.

He also explained Hong Kong's role in helping them access these opportunities.

Mr Tsang quoted the Financial Times' magazine on Foreign Direct Investment that every two years names an "Asian City of the Future" from 60 contenders.

"Hong Kong - against stiff competition - has topped the last two surveys," Mr Tsang said.

"The author of the report called Hong Kong 'A member of the elite group of truly world-class cities on a par with London, New York and Paris'. The writer added: 'Hong Kong continues to fend off pretenders to its Asian throne' and, he concluded, 'the unique advantage Hong Kong provides �K is not to be underestimated: come and get a piece of the China action, but from a safe, stable and familiar base camp'."

HK's advantages

The Financial Secretary said a "safe, stable and familiar base camp" meant low taxes, small government, superb location, the best and most reliable technology, communications, transport infrastructure and, of course, top quality people.

When Hong Kong's proximity to and experience in doing business with China were considered, he felt certain the audience would appreciate the benefits of locating there.

After the lunch, Mr Tsang met Czech National Bank Governor Zdenek Tuma to discuss the latest developments and brief him on Hong Kong and the region.