Treasure hunt: Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Lo Yiu-ching says a visit to several South East-Asian countries is planned to explore business opportunities.

To tackle strong competition, local construction enterprises must reach out for opportunities in the Mainland and overseas, Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Lo Yiu-ching says.

Speaking at the opening of a seminar on the cooperation of contractors in Hong Kong and the Mainland, Mr Lo said the Government and the trade are planning a visit to several South East-Asian countries.

Destinations under consideration include Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, India, Singapore and Malaysia, he added.

"We hope the visit can provide a useful and appropriate platform for the delegates to meet with the local senior officials and representatives of local enterprises. Delegates can see for themselves the investment environment there and seek out more business opportunities," Mr Lo said.

Through collaboration, construction enterprises in Hong Kong and the Mainland could form highly competitive partners in exploring the international market, he added.

The two-day seminar was attended by more than 50 local and 13 Mainland enterprises.