Hong Kong turning more luring for Russian business and tourists.

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HONG KONG (Xianggang), August 31 (Itar-Tass) - Hong Kong is turning
more luring for Russian businessmen ad tourists, Itar-Tass learnt from
head of the Hong Kong administration Donald Tsang on the eve of his
history's first visit to Moscow.
"Good trade and economic relations have developed between Hong Kong
and Russia over the past few years. Despite "the financial tsunami",
bilateral trade annually shows an ability for an average rise of 12.5
percent," Tsang noted.
He expressed satisfaction that an agreement on dumping visa
requirements came into force between Russia and Hong Kong, the Special
Administrative Region of China, since July 1, 2009.
"This resulted in a considerable inflow of Russian businessmen and
tourists to Hong Kong. The opening of direct flights between Moscow and
Hong Kong this summer by two Hong Kong air companies also raised our
relation to a higher level," Tsang added.
"Tourism is undoubtedly one of the most important spheres where we
should like to consolidate cooperation with Russia. While last year Hong
Kong was visited by over 42,000 Russians, their number has reached 38,000
(134-percent rise) in the first half of this year alone. We see a great
potential in this direction," he emphasised.
Describing Hong Kong, Tsang called it "an Asian city of world
importance". "Last year, we welcomed nearly 30 million tourists from all
over the world. The intertwining of Chinese heritage and British influence
has turned this metropolitan area into really a unique place where
cultures of the Orient and the West have mixed."
"Though many tourists associate Hong Kong with "a stone jungle" in the
form of an array of sky-scrapers along the shores of the Victoria Strait,
our metropolitan area is graced with natural beauty: from green mountain
landscapes and virgin forests to white sand beaches," Tsang noted.
Besides, according to the head of the regional administration, Hong
Kong offers top-notch infrastructure from the viewpoint of the business
tourism industry (exhibitions, conferences, etc.). "The regional capital
of business tourism and 'the gate' to mainland China, Hong Kong is also
very appealing for Russian businessmen," Tsang claimed.
He noted that the January debut of the RUSAL Company with its listing
at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange also promoted a rise in mutual interest.
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