Hong Kong and Italy have signed a memorandum of understanding on co-operation in wine-related businesses.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Rita Lau and Italian Minister of Agricultural, Food & Forestry Policies Luca Zaia signed the document today in Rome.

Mrs Lau said the agreement will give impetus to industry players in both places to explore market opportunities across Asia and further buttress Hong Kong's position as a regional hub for wine trading and distribution.

"The agreement will forge closer co-operation between Hong Kong and Italy in a wide range of areas, including the promotion of wine trading, investment, wine-related tourism as well as wine education and appreciation.

"Specifically, the two sides will work closely to engender a good showing of Italian wines and canapes, wine accessories, as well as wine-making technology and equipment in the annual international wine fairs organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council."

Mrs Lau said the Italians will be encouraged to organise wine exhibitions in Hong Kong. Vinitaly, the leading wine exhibition in Italy, is planning to stage the first wine roadshow in Hong Kong as part of the council's annual wine fair in November.