Hong Kong, Chile to strengthen Ties in Wine Sector

Chile and China's Hong Kong on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen ties in the wine sector.

Under the document, both parties agreed to exchange wine-related experiences and collaborate in such events as fairs, festivals and wine tasting classes so as to spread wine culture and promote wine tourism.

Chile's Agriculture Minister Jose Antonio Galilea said Chile was interested in these kinds of agreements which would facilitate and promote wine trade.

"Our wine exporters are looking with particular interest at the development of Asian markets, especially China, in which Hong Kong is a point of entry, as well as a point of contact for many other markets in Asia," Galilea said.

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary John Tsang said the document marked a milestone in ties between China's Hong Kong and Chile.

Hong Kong has a world-class infrastructure, close bonds with Chinese mainland, high quality services, free flow of capital and great appreciation for wine, Tsang said.

"I hope we can establish even greater cooperation and friendship ties between our communities," Tsang said.