Hong Kong hopes for Vladimir Putin's visit

Hong Kong expects Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit the special administrative region during one of his visits to China, said Hong Kong Chief Secretary Donald Tsang, who is currently visiting Moscow.

This issue was discussed during his bilateral talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

"Hong Kong is waiting for President Putin and will be happy if he decides to come," Donald Tsang said.

According to him, shares of Russian companies can be placed at the Hong Kong stock exchange.

This issue was on the agenda of his meetings with Russian businessmen and President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Yevgeny Primakov, Mr. Tsang noted.

Besides, the talks focused on the introduction of bilateral trade privileges and Goznak's intention to participate in the conference on press in Hong Kong in November 2005, Donald Tsang added.

"The sides also discussed the possibility to boost bilateral talks on Russia's joining the World Trade Organization and simplification of visa regulations between Russia and Hong Kong," he said.