On the vine: Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Katy Coba and Permanent Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development (Commerce, Industry & Tourism) Yvonne Choi sign the wine pact.

Hong Kong has signed a memorandum of understanding on co-operation in wine-related businesses with the US states of Oregon and Washington.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Hong Kong today, Permanent Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development (Commerce, Industry & Tourism) Yvonne Choi said the pact was Hong Kong's first trade agreement with the two states.

Under the deal, the three places will strengthen co-operation in promoting wine-related trading, tourism, investment, education and the fight against counterfeiting.

"We welcome wine companies from Oregon and Washington to take advantage of Hong Kong's prime location, business-friendly environment and low-tax regime to discover their niche in the booming wine market in Asia and particularly on the Mainland," Ms Choi said.

A number of trade-promotion opportunities will be available in Hong Kong in the coming months, including the Wine & Dine Festival in October and the International Wine & Spirits Fair in November.

"I hope more wine merchants from the Pacific Northwest will join these exciting events," she said.