Friendly chat: Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa exchanges views with Ukraine President Leonid Kuchma during his three-day visit to Hong Kong.

The signing of agreements on maritime trade and law enforcement strengthens ties between Hong Kong and the Ukraine, the Chief Executive says, noting that bilateral trade between the two has been growing at 11% a year.

Welcoming Ukraine President Leonid Kuchma to Government House today, Tung Chee Hwa said the two bilateral agreements, one on Maritime Transport and one on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, have laid a solid foundation for co-operation.

He also told Mr Kuchma that Hong Kong, as the major gateway to the Mainland and an international financial and business centre, will continue to build on its competitive edge and contribute to the Mainland's economic development.

Mr Kuchma will travel to Beijing tomorrow and meet with President Hu Jintao.

Earlier today, Secretary for Security Regina Ip and the Ukraine General Prosecutor S Piskun signed the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, which contains all essential features and safeguards for international agreements of this type.

At the same time, Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip signed the Agreement on Maritime Transport with Ukraine Minister of Transport Georgiy Kirpa.

Apart from general co-operation in maritime transport, it also covers most favoured nation treatment which enables Hong Kong ships to enjoy preferential port dues when calling on Ukrainian ports.