Fruitful exchange: Deputy Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Linda Lai and European Commission Directorate General for External Relations' Director for Asia James Moran meet at the third annual structured dialogue meeting in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's unique position as the premier gateway to the rapidly growing Mainland market provides unprecedented opportunities for European companies, European Commission Directorate General for External Relations' Director for Asia James Moran says.

Hong Kong and the commission held the third annual structured dialogue meeting today in Hong Kong, during which the two parties discussed co-operation in key industries, bilateral trade and financial services.

After the meeting Deputy Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development (Commerce & Industry) and Hong Kong delegation head Linda Lai said regular dialogue is important for enhancing mutual understanding and co-operation for the benefit of the economies of the two places.

Mr Moran agreed the dialogue is timely because of the recent entering into force of the Treaty of Lisbon which has important implications for European relations with partners like Hong Kong.

"There is plenty of room for economic and trade relations between the two places to grow," Mr Moran said.

Noting bilateral trade between the two places has been growing steadily, both sides agreed the trade relations between the two sides remain strong.