Financial Secretary John Tsang will lead a business delegation to Nanning and Hanoi December 10 to 17 to enhance Hong Kong's understanding of the economic situation and business environment in the two cities.

The first leg will be Nanning in Guangxi where Mr Tsang will meet senior officials of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and attend activities to celebrate the region's 50th anniversary on December 11.

He will call on the Nanning Municipal Government and address the Hong Kong-Guangxi Economic Co-operation Roundtable on December 12. He will also visit major enterprises and tour the city to gain an overview of its infrastructure as well as its commercial and industrial development.

On December 13 Mr Tsang will depart for Hanoi in Vietnam, visiting the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Logistics Park at the Chinese border before going through the Friendship Gate.

He will meet officials from the Ministry of Industry & Trade, the Minister of Planning & Investment, and members of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

On December 16 Mr Tsang will deliver a keynote address at a business seminar and will later attend a Dragonair reception to mark the resumption of direct flights between Hong Kong and Hanoi.

During Mr Tsang's absence Secretary for Development Carrie Lam will be Acting Financial Secretary.