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HK chief, Japanese leaders discuss coordination

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-17 09:28

TOKYO  -- Visiting Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Donald Tsang held talks Monday with Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso on the development of the global financial crisis and coordinated efforts to tackle the impact on the two economies.

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During the talks, Tsang said that as export-oriented economies like Hong Kong and Japan have been heavily hit by the global financial crisis, they need to make concerted efforts to lead the world out of the global recession.

The two leaders also discussed the ever-growing ties between Hong Kong and Japan in areas of trade, tourism and culture.

"Hong Kong is the largest market for Japanese agricultural, forestry and fisheries products, and we welcome over a million visitors from Japan each year," said Tsang.

The Hong Kong chief also met the Foreign Minis Hirofumi Nakasone later in the day.

The two sides agreed to introduce a Working Holiday Scheme between Hong Kong and Japan as early as possible. The Scheme aims to enable young people from the two places to take up short-term employment and study while on holiday in each other's territory, thus promoting youth exchange.

Tsang arrived in Tokyo Monday afternoon for a three-day official visit.