Commissioner visits Rhode Island
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Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA Donald Tong met with Rhode Island Gov. Donald L. Carcieri in early April. |
Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA Donald Tong concluded his first official duty visit to Rhode Island on April 3.
During the two-day trip, Mr. Tong met with Rhode Island Gov. Donald L. Carcieri and spoke to Brown University students on the various measures the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has taken to combat the global financial crisis.
Mr. Tong updated Gov. Carcieri on Hong Kong’s development since the Handover and the successful implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle. He highlighted the city’s competitive advantages, including a low and simple tax system, clean and efficient government and superb infrastructure.
Gov. Carcieri, who has visited Hong Kong on a number of occasions, acknowledged the territory’s position as an international city and agreed that its unique geographical location and historical background make Hong Kong an ideal place for foreign enterprises looking for a platform to stage their operations in the Mainland.
Mr. Tong also highlighted the government’s measures to combat the financial crisis, with aims to stabilize the financial market, create and preserve jobs and to support enterprises.
The commissioner pointed out that despite the downturn, Hong Kong’s economic fundamentals remain strong. And the government’s measures will ensure that Hong Kong will be in a better position to reap the benefits when the global economy recovers.
After his meeting with the governor, Mr. Tong visited Brown University, which has an exchange program with the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The commissioner met with faculty and members of the Hong Kong Students Association. He spoke to approximately 60 Brown students, to whom he reiterated the close ties between Hong Kong and the United States, and the government’s commitment to a free and open society.
Responding to questions on how Hong Kong could maintain its position in the global market, Mr. Tong said the city needs the concerted effort and close collaboration of Hong Kong and the central and local governments in the Mainland. “By tapping into the complementary strengths of Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta (PRD), Hong Kong and the PRD would continue the expansion and advancement of its development in the regions,” he said. “Hong Kong and the neighboring cities, working together, would attract more businesses and continue to advance.”
During his visit to Providence, Mr. Tong also met with members of the local business community and the local media to address their inquiries about Hong Kong-U.S. relations.
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