Hong Kong and Africa enjoyed an 8% annual growth in two-way trade for the past five years, Director-General of Trade & Industry Joseph Lai says, adding Africa provides tremendous trading potential with its huge population and natural resources.

Speaking at a business forum today, Mr Lai said some  sectors have recorded significant trade increases. For example, re-export of telecommunication equipment grew more than 100% last year and almost 20% in this year's first four months over a year earlier.

Mr Lai also noted Hong Kong's advantages as a perfect platform for enhancing China-Africa trade. Last year, $18.4 billion worth of goods traded between the Mainland and Africa were routed through Hong Kong.

He said the rapid growth of trade and investment ties among the Mainland, Africa and Hong Kong would strengthen the three-way economic links.

Mr Lai invited African investors to establish businesses in Hong Kong to make full use of the opportunities provided under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement.