The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced that the Chief Executive, Mr. Donald Tsang, had re-appointed Mr. Jack So Chak-kwong as Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) for two years with effect from October 1, 2009.

The Chief Executive said Mr. So had done an exemplary job in leading the TDC in promoting Hong Kong's external trade and in providing timely assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises during the economic downturn.

'Under Mr. So's guidance, the TDC has helped Hong Kong products and services penetrate the Mainland and other emerging markets. The TDC has organized successful consumer fairs in Mainland cities and business missions to emerging markets to help Hong Kong enterprises tap these markets. The recent completion of the Atrium Link Extension of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre has added 19,400 square meters of exhibition space, providing relief for exhibitors waiting for years to participate in our world-class trade shows. Such efforts are vital for our trade at a time when demands from our traditional markets are just beginning to recover.

'I am confident that Mr. So will continue to lead the TDC in creating opportunities in global trade in both goods and services for Hong Kong companies and in promoting a positive image of Hong Kong internationally,' Mr. Tsang said.

Mr. So was first appointed TDC Chairman two years ago.