Hong Kong is among the most competitive economies in the world and an excellent point of entry to China, the panel also heard.

While Hong Kong and the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana are very different, So found some similarities, including culture, heritage, beauty of the city, civil liberties and entrepreneurial spirit.

While Hong Kong and Slovenia already signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in wine trade, there are many opportunities for further cooperation, including in tourism and privatisation, the minister said.

Among the advantages of Hong Kong, he singled out low taxes and a simple tax system, the rule of law, and free flow of capital, information and people.

Hong Kong is one of the most competitive economies in the world, and it has been declared annually for the freest economy in the world since 1995, So noted, adding that it was also a good point of entry to China.

Agriculture Ministry State Secretary Marjan Podgoršek assessed that high-profile visits between Slovenia and Hong Kong strongly contribute to bilateral cooperation. "We believe that political visits can open paths for new business opportunities."

According to Podgoršek, Slovenia is aware of the advantages of Hong Kong, which has a population with high purchasing power on the one hand and which is an excellent point of entry to the Chinese market.

"We want Hong Kong to see us as a point of entry to the EU markets," he said, adding that the Chinese agriculture minister was expected to attend a meeting of China and Central and East European countries as part of this year's Agra fair.

The event in Ljubljana promoting business ties with Hong Kong was organised by the Hong Kong Trade and Economic Development Office, the Slovenia Times, and JT Business Development.

Minister So, who is accompanied by a delegation of politicians and business executives, yesterday met Agriculture Minister Dejan Židan, signing a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in wine trade.