The Chamber has just returned from Guangxi and Yunnan, the third of its study missions in 2001 following fruitful trips to Shaanxi, Gansu and Xinjiang last July and a mission to Sichuan and Chongqing in October, to help the Hong Kong business community explore opportunities unfolding in western China.

Stanley Hui, chairman of the Chamber's China Committee, and Dr Eden Woon, director of the Chamber, led the latest mission which took place from December 2-7.

On the first leg of the mission, the delegation visited Guangxi, where they were warmly received by Yuan Fenglan, deputy chairman, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and other senior officials.

Ms Yuan told the delegation that development in Guangxi has accelerated in recent years, fuelled by its location next to Guangdong, and that Guangxi is the only coastal province among the 12 Western provinces.

In Yunnan, the delegation was welcomed by Shao Qiwei, deputy governor, Yunnan Provincial Municipal Government, who briefed them on the local investment environment and policies.

Bordering Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar, Mr Shao said Yunnan enjoys abundant tourism, medicinal herbs, mineral and water resources. Given its location, Yunnan may become a gateway for Hong Kong businessmen to tap the ASEAN market if China's proposed free trade agreement with ASEAN materialises, he said.