Updated: 2005-06-10
British Consul General Stephen Bradley said in Hong Kong Thursday that the British and Hong Kong trade and investment are growing, and he believed that the bilateral economic relations continue to thrive.

He made the remarks at a reception for marking the official birthday of the British Queen.

Bradley added that Hong Kong's special role as a gateway to the Chinese mainland is boosting its importance to British business.

He said the British-Hong Kong Business Partnership was launched and is now actively seeking to develop new business links in information and communication technology and other creative industries.

He said that, Britain will assume the presidency of the European Union in the second half of this year, and Hong Kong will host the sixth WTO ministerial meeting in December.

Bradley believed that the world attention will focus here and he is sure that Hong Kong will prove a welcoming and successful host.

He announced that Britain will launch next year an British Arts Festival, which will feature some really excellent performers from Britain.

Hong Kong acting Chief Secretary for Administration Michael M Y Suen said at the reception that about 18,000 British nationals call Hong Kong their home.

They are an integral part of the local community, actively contributing to the vibrancy of Hong Kong.

He said that HK saw an encouraging 45 percent increase of British nationals visit Hong Kong last year.

Suen said, "We have strong ties in commerce. We rank the 8th ineach other's league of trade partners. About one-third of the trade between the Britain and the Chinese mainland routes through Hong Kong."

He said that Britain is one of the largest investors in Hong Kong, with over 300 companies having either regional headquarters or regional offices here.

He believed that the bilateral ties between Hong Kong and Britain will continue to grow strength to strength.