"Hong Kong has always been a window into China for overseas companies. What we are finding now is that Chinese companies who previously never considered expanding in international markets are now doing so. Hong Kong has the potential to become the stepping-stone to the world for these companies. It is a business-friendly place, where it's easy for Chinese companies to 'test the water' in an overseas environment, and where people speak their language." 

 

Speaking at his inaugural luncheon, 25 January 2005.