Newly appointed UK Minister for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs Ian McCartney Monday began an important regional tour starting with a two-day visit in Hong Kong.

During his visit here, McCartney is scheduled to hold talks on business partnership with senior officials from Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, including Financial Secretary Henry Tang and Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Joseph Wong.

"The UK's relationship with Hong Kong is a key cornerstone of our strategy for economic success in today's globalized economy. This visit will also present an excellent opportunity to reinforce the Hong Kong-UK business partnership," said McCartney before the start of the tour.

This is McCarteny first visit to Hong Kong since taking up his appointment in May 2006. He will later on visit Chengdu, Beijing, Tokyo and Seoul, according to information from the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong.

Source: Xinhua