Speaking at an Empire Club luncheon in Toronto on Friday, Ma observed that Hong Kong has leveraged the rapid economic development of Mainland China since the handover, and this has helped put Hong Kong on the threshold of a new era.

"We are also plotting a course to make the most of the new opportunities ahead of us," explained Ma, while outlining Hong Kong's latest action plans to equip itself with the necessary hardware and software at the upcoming stage of progressive development, including 10 infrastructure projects covering roads, railways and urban planning, which will generate an added value of more than C$12 billion annually to Hong Kong's economy, and create 250,000 additional jobs.

Some of the projects involve cross-boundary collaboration, and will improve Hong Kong's transport links with China.

"Hong Kong provides a level playing field for all businesses, local and foreign," he stated. "We hope that more overseas enterprises, including Canadian companies, will lend their expertise to our infrastructure development and take part in the bidding process for some of the projects."

Ma cited several areas in which Hong Kong and Canada could cooperate, including IT, creative industries, financial services, and bi-lateral trade.

"We have yet to fully utilise the opportunities arising from the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between Hong Kong and the Mainland. This free-trade agreement provides Hong Kong goods and services with WTO-plus market access opportunities in Mainland China," Ma explained, pointing out that foreign-owned or controlled companies incorporated in Hong Kong can also enjoy CEPA's full benefits.

"I believe the well established ties between our two economies will give Canadian companies a head start over their rivals in tapping the Asian market, including China," he concluded.