THE suggestion in Lai See (August 1), that the Trade Development Council (TDC) 'plagiarised' the idea of a Moscow lawyer to set up a Hong Kong Business Association in competition to his own is totally unfounded. The TDC launched the idea of forming Hong Kong business associations in overseas market more than 30 years ago, when it sponsored British business leaders to set up the first such association in London. There are now 22 Hong Kong Business Associations in 19 countries, with a total of more than 7,500 members, who are prominent local executives keen to do more business with Hong Kong. Forming the Hong Kong Business Association in Moscow was under active consideration for several months. Like all in the network for which the TDC provides secretariat support, it is a non-profit organisation with the sole aim of advancing Hong Kong's business interests and influence in world markets. The fact there is such strong support in Moscow for further developing economic ties with Hong Kong is welcomed by the TDC, which has always encouraged efforts - including those by your complainant - to facilitate increased business exchanges. Far from competing with each other, members of the associations may wish to organise some joint activities and the TDC will be pleased to assist. SARAH MONKS Senior Manager Hong Kong Trade Development Council
