Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London, Andrew Leung, held discussion on visa free access with senior Norwegian officials in Oslo Wednesday, according to a press release by the Information Service Department.

In talks with Tor Christian Hildan, Director-General of the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Leung explained the benefits of granting visa-free access for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders.

"This is an important step to strengthen economic relations, trade and tourism between Norway and Hong Kong," Leung said, pointing out that Hong Kong had a well-established system of immigration control and the integrity of the system for issuing the SAR passport has gained wide international acceptance.

Over 70 countries have, so far, granted Hong Kong visa-free access.

Leung also told the trade official that Norwegian companies should take advantage of Hong Kong as a base to establish their presence in Asia Pacific and as a springboard to the fast expanding China market.

"This is of particular strategic importance, given China's imminent accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO)," he stressed, adding that Hong Kong has long acted as an intermediary and gateway between China's mainland and world markets.

During his two-day visit to Oslo, Leung held a business seminar for about 80 local businessmen to update them on the general economic environment and investment opportunities in Hong Kong.

(People’s Daily 02/15/2001)