Commerce minister: Central gov´t working to help Hong Kong expand mainland market

Chen, however, said the Ministry of Commerce has asked local bureaus to simplify and speed up the process.

To boost sale of Hong Kong goods on the mainland, the two sides would each send trade promotion teams to conduct negotiation at an appropriate time, he said.

The ministry would organize a procurement delegation to the Guangzhou trade fair in April, he said, calling on Hong Kong companies to seize the opportunity to bring their goods.

"Closer economic and trade ties between the mainland and Hong Kong will withstand the test of financial crisis," he said.

The mainland market, people and the central government would act as "solid supporters" for Hong Kong economy, he said.

Editor:Liu Anqi