Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang said his North American trip has brought an excellent opportunity to engage a host of business and political leaders in friendly, frank and useful exchanges on Hong Kong's future.

According to a press release from the government on Saturday, Tsang met US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Washington on Friday and also briefed the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

He discussed the WTO 6th Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong in December, avian flu contingency plans, intellectual property rights protection and anti-terrorism measures.

"All of these subjects are close to the heart of Americans. Overall, I believe I have completed my mission in Washington. I met as many think tanks, and as many people in business, in government and in congress as possible within the time available," he said.

Tsang added: "I think I have dispelled certain misunderstandings. I can see their excitement concerning the rapid economic recovery of Hong Kong. I am sure it might lead to further investment and further exchanges between Hong Kong and the United States. On the whole, it was very busy, very occupied, but I think it was very worthwhile."

Tsang started his North American trip on Oct. 22 and the first leg of his visit was Canada. He is scheduled to leave Washington for Hong Kong on Oct. 29 (Washington time).

Source: Xinhua