Beijing seeks to tap all cooperation opportunities with Hong Kong to take the ties between the two cities to the highest-possible level, Beijing Mayor Wang Qishan said yesterday.

"Our future cooperation with Hong Kong will not be confined to trade and economy only... instead it will be very diversified, covering many more areas," Wang said at the opening of the 10th Beijing-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium.

"We would also like to learn from Hong Kong's successful experience in urban planning, development, construction, management and services," he said. "Hong Kong is one of Beijing's most important overseas investors."

The two-day symposium will see a series of discussions and promotions on trade, tourism, logistics, fashion, creative cultural industries and the preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Wang said the annual symposium was "a very important platform" and was playing a key role in creating and facilitating cooperation opportunities between the two cities.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang is glad to see an increasing number of Hong Kong entrepreneurs doing business in the country's capital.

"Till September, 8,492 Hong Kong enterprises had set up business in Beijing and their total investment was US$7.8 billion," Tsang said.

"In 2005 alone, as many as 426 Hong Kong companies invested in Beijing, with their investment reaching US$1.34 billion. That made Hong Kong the top investor in the city."

The total trade volume between Hong Kong and Beijing reached US$4 billion in 2005, a leap of 94.3 per cent year on year, according to a report. Hong Kong is also Beijing's second largest export destination.

Tsang said Hong Kong had the top financial talents in the world. "Thanks to the implementation of CEPA, they can raise funds and perform other professional services for Beijing."

And "Hong Kong's specialty in infrastructure, telecommunication, law and tourism can contribute further to Beijing's development".

Earlier, Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department Director-General Raymond Young said that with CEPA III measures becoming effective from January 1, Hongkongers would find it "more convenient" to work and provide professional services on the mainland.

CEPA III has 15 new policies covering 10 service sectors on the mainland such as legal, tourism, information technology, air and road transport, construction, convention and exhibition, audiovisual, distribution and individually owned stores.

Under the new measures, Hong Kong lawyers and barristers, for example, will find enhanced access to the mainland job market, and Hong Kong barristers can become agents in civil litigation cases on the mainland.

And Hong Kong residents who qualify to practice as lawyers on the mainland can take up matrimonial and succession cases involving Hongkongers.