"The joining of these two major global associations to the alliance is an eloquent testimony to the growing importance to Greater Pearl River Delta in the eyes of the international business community," said George Yuen, Chief Executive of the Foundation.

Yuan added that "one of the primary objectives of the cooperation is to promote international connectivity for the Greater Pearl River Delta Region including Hong Kong."

Daniel Fung, Chairman of the East West Strategic Development Commission, believed that with the support of the two leading international business organizations, his commissions and its partners can be actively engaged in establishing essential dialogue between the international business community and the Greater Pearl River Delta.

Marc Battaille, President of IPAC, stressed that European interest in China grows leaps and bounds. IPAC will be leading a major EU investment delegation to Hong Kong and the Greater Pearl River Delta this autumn to seek cooperation opportunities.

ACG is to open a HK/Greater Pearl River Delta branch later this spring.

The Better Hong Kong Foundation is a privately funded and non-profit organization, formed by leading Hong Kong business people.

IPAC is an international association of cooperate chairman and CEO's who examine public issues that affect the economy development and develop positions.

Founded in Chicago 1954, ACG is the premier association for and about professionals involved in small- medium size corporate growth, cooperate development, and mergers and acquisition. ACG has nearly 6,000 members representing approximately 2,500 companies throughout the United States, Canada, Britain and Mexico.

(Xinhua News Agency February 20, 2003)