Recovery from the global financial crisis will be faster and less painful if economies act together in the spirit of openness and transparency to promote fair competition, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says.

Speaking at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo today he said there is an opportunity to further open Hong Kong's door to trade and investment with the Mainland and with regional partners like Japan.

"Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau, all part of the Pearl River Delta region, are working to forge a closer partnership in a wide range of fields to strengthen intra-region connectivity, remove barriers to trade and investment, enhance environmental protection, and promote innovation and technology."

He said Hong Kong is moving ahead with 10 mega infrastructure projects to better connect Hong Kong to delta cities and create 250,000 jobs.

Mr Tsang later visited a virtual reality media laboratory and officiated at the launch luncheon of the Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong Japan office.

Tonight he will launch the Japan-Hong Kong Tourism Exchange Year at a dinner reception before leaving for Seoul tomorrow.