Nordic natter: Finland's Minister of Trade & Industry Mauri Pakkarinen meets Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang in Helsinki.

Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang has told Finnish businesses they will be joining the "Olympics in telecommunications" in encouraging them to partake in ITU Telecom World 2006 to be hosted in Hong Kong.

Speaking at a business dinner in Helsinki yesterday, Mr Tsang promised the event will be a big success thanks to Hong Kong's experience in organising ITU Telecom Asia in 2000 and 2002, and the Mainland's support for next year's showcase.

"Hong Kong offers the best gateway for Finnish companies seeking to explore the Asia-Pacific market. Our affinity with the Mainland, language capability and rich experience in doing business there make us the best launching pad for entering the tremendous China market," he said.

"For foreign companies interested in expanding into China, ITU Telecom World will offer them a golden opportunity."

Hi-tech visit

Mr Tsang is leading a business delegation from Hong Kong's information and communications technology sector to Europe, starting in Finland on May 10. They visited several renowned telecommunications companies, including Nokia, and attended a seminar on mobile technology and mobile games.

Today they will visit digital entertainment companies and institutions to see the latest developments in the country's creative industries.

During a business lunch, Mr Tsang witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association and Mobile Monday of Finland.

The memorandum signifies their common understanding to jointly promote wireless technologies and applications in both jurisdictions, and to create business opportunities.

Mr Tsang returns to Hong Kong May 13.