​The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, began his visit to Beijing today (March 27).
Mr Yau called on the China National Intellectual Property Administration this morning to meet with Deputy Commissioner Mr Zhang Zhicheng to deepen co-operation and exchanges in the field of intellectual property (IP). Mr Yau said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has spared no effort in protecting IP rights and promoting IP trading to develop Hong Kong into a regional IP trading centre, with a view to giving full play to its unique advantage of connecting both the Mainland and the world, while at the same time facilitating the development of new quality productive forces, in particular fostering the further development of innovation and technology as well as creative industries in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
　　In the afternoon, Mr Yau separately called on the Director-General of the Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce, Mr Fan Shijie, and Deputy Director-General of the Department of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr Ran Bo to update them on the latest trade and economic developments in Hong Kong and exchange views on the new global political and economic landscape.
Mr Yau said that in the face of uncertainties brought about by geopolitics, Hong Kong will continue to leverage its advantages under "one country, two systems" to actively expand economic and trade networks and step up efforts in attracting enterprises and investment, including exploring emerging markets along the Belt and Road, to strengthen and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international trade centre. In addition, as the most international city in the GBA, Hong Kong will deepen international exchanges and co-operation to enhance influence and competitiveness, thereby contributing to the country's high-quality development and serving the country's needs.
　　Mr Yau will continue his visit to Beijing tomorrow (March 28).
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