Hong Kong is no longer just a gateway to Chinese Mainland, instead, it is acting more like a revolving door, bringing trade and investment into and out of mainland market, said Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, on Wednesday.

Giving speech at the 40th anniversary reception of Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC), Tsang said that the Eleventh Five-Year Plan affirms Hong Kong's role as an international trading center and the government will continue to work closely with TDC to take the challenge, which will not only benefit Hong Kong, but also contribute to the expansion and liberalization of the mainland market.

Tsang recalled the development of TDC in its 40 years of history and gave high evaluation of TDC's role in promoting Hong Kong's export.

He said, "The success of Hong Kong exporters in making early inroads into the emerging markets in Chinese Mainland and Eastern Europe bears witness to TDC's foresight and tireless efforts."

Tsang said Hong Kong has long ceased to be a mere trading post, but developed into a high-value services center. TDC's initiative in recent years to promote Hong Kong as a premier trade-fair capital and a regional sourcing hub has added impetus to this development.

Editor: Donald