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I would like to extend my warmest congratulations
on the establishment of the Hong Kong-Thailand Business
Council.
Hong Kong and Thailand are close business allies.
Last year, Thailand was our 11th largest trading partner
in the world, with our bilateral trade totaling HK$42
billion. Under the giant forces of globalization,
liberalization of international trade and China's
accession to the WTO, our economic ties are bound
to strengthen further.
China's entry into the WTO carries significant implications
for Hong Kong and Thailand alike. The further opening
up of the huge Mainland market has provided tremendous
opportunities to Hong Kong enterprises. With our unique
competitive advantages, including our geographical
advantage, rule of law, efficient infrastructure and
high quality workforce, and our closer economic integration
with the Pearl River Delta Region, Hong Kong has also
become an even more important business gateway to
the Mainland. For Thailand enterprises, this is a
golden opportunity for them to gain a foothold in
the populous and attractive China market.
On the other hand, Thailand is strategically located
at the heart of South East Asia and is playing an
increasingly significant role in enhancing trade and
economic cooperation in the region. As such, Thailand
will continue to act as an important conduit for Hong
Kong enterprises heading for South East Asia. Against
this background, Hong Kong and Thailand enterprises
are best placed to form partnerships to seize the
market opportunities before them.
The establishment of the Hong
Kong-Thailand Business Council is a timely
initiative for the furtherance of the co-operation
between our two places. I would like to commend those
who have worked hard to bring this idea into fruition
and wish the Council every success in the years to
come.
Tung Chee Hwa
Chief Executive of the
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
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