Europe's biggest investment fund centre is exploring opportunities for further co-operation with Hong Kong's financial industry and other services sectors.
During a recent visit to the SAR, the Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Lydie Polfer, affirmed her faith in the bilateral relationship, and told an audience of government officials and business leaders that her presence reflected the importance the smallest member of the European Union (EU) attached to its friendship with Hong Kong.
Potential for co-operation in various areas, including the financial sector, does exist, she said. Mrs Polfer met Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa and Maria Kwan Sik-ning, deputy Secretary for Economic Services.
Mrs Polfer, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as External Trade, told the South China Morning Post that her first visit was an 'opportunity to see for myself the economic, social and cultural realities of Hong Kong'. It was also a chance to forge closer ties with important political and business leaders, she said. Mrs Polfer's visit was the first by a Luxembourg foreign minister in 14 years.
Luxembourg's honorary consul in Hong Kong, Dr James Kung, who is also chairman of Chekiang First Bank, described the bilateral relationship as 'excellent'.
'In economic terms, all major Luxembourg companies are present in Hong Kong - Trade Arbed, Cargolux, with up to 10 flights a week, SES as a main shareholder in Asia Satellite, and banks and related companies,' he said.