Source: CCTV.com

05-11-2009 09:24

Hong Kong firms are set to receive greater and easier access to the mainland market. The Chinese mainland and the Special Administrative Region authorities signed a supplement on Saturday to an important trade agreement. The supplement covers 20 industries ranging from tourism to banking services. Andrew Dupuis has more.

The signing of Supplement Six of the Mainland  and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement was witnessed by Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive  Donald Tsang.

The signing of Supplement Six of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement was witnessed by Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

The financial service sector will benefit from the new agreement. Hong Kong banks will be allowed to open branches in neighboring Guangdong Province more easily. And qualified securities firms in Hong Kong and the mainland will be allowed to establish joint businesses in Guangdong.

Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang said, "The accord will help Hong Kong banks expand their businesses in Guangdong Province. And it will enable Hong Kong lenders to provide better and more efficient services for mainland firms."