Hong Kong Secretary for Economic Development and Labor Stephen Ip John and Njoroge Michuki, minister for Transport and Communications of the Republic of Kenya signed the agreement Friday.

"The Air Services Agreement signed today provides a legal framework for the establishment of air links between Hong Kong and Kenya. It opens a new chapter in the development of air services between the two places," said Ip at the signing ceremony.

He said, since last September, local people and overseas tourists have been able to enjoy the good services of Kenya Airways, which has become one of the 70 international airlines operating at the Hong Kong International Airport, serving Hong Kong and Nairobi with three direct services every week.

Ip said the bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Kenya in 2003 rose by 22 percent over the previous year and the number of Kenya visitors to Hong Kong increased by 42 percent during the same period.

At present, Kenya Airways is providing three weekly direct passenger services between Hong Kong and Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.

The Air Services Agreement with Kenya is Hong Kong's 52nd Air Services Agreement with foreign aviation partners.

| China Travel Update |