MOSCOW is opening a consulate in Hong Kong next month as part of an aggressive drive to attract investment, trade and tourism.
Russian Ambassador to China Igor Rogachev said in Hong Kong yesterday that five or six diplomats would be stationed here.
It is understood that the Consul-General, who will be named soon, is fluent in Chinese and English and has served in China and the West.
''Hong Kong is such a major international financial centre, we missed a lot by not having diplomatic representation,'' Mr Rogachev said.
Mr Rogachev, who is Russia's premier sinologist, called on Hong Kong businessmen to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by economic reform.
''Our parliament is enacting new laws on investment, trade, and other aspects of the economy,'' he said.