HK is Europe's best connector to Chinese mainland: C Y Leung

Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, Leung Chun-ying, also known as C Y Leung, on Thursday said Hong Kong is Europe's best connector to the mainland of China.

He made the remarks while addressing business leaders at two events during his brief visit in Belgium, according to a statement issued by the Hong Kong SAR Government's press release site.

Leung highlighted Hong Kong's strengths as a global financial center in the Asian time zone, connecting Chinese and international financial markets.

Addressing a breakfast meeting with business leaders attending the European Business Summit, he said, "The internationalisation of the Renminbi is a dominant trend in global finance and Hong Kong is the most effective partner to give European firms a competitive edge."

Speaking at a luncheon with representatives of the Belgium Hong Kong Society and other business leaders in Belgium, Leung invited the participants to make the best use of Hong Kong's advantages to seize the huge opportunities in the mainland of China and across Asia.

Leung arrived in Brussels Wednesday afternoon for a two-day visit during which he also met with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy.

According to the statement, Leung and the EU leaders exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including further strengthening of the ties between Hong Kong and the European Union (EU) and how EU companies can capitalize on the role of Hong Kong as China's global trade and financial center.