Hong Kong Trade Development Council Executive Director Fred Lam said trade in services "has become the new engine for global economic growth", having been less affected than other sectors by the global economic slowdown, which continues to be affected by sluggish international demand, the eurozone debt crisis and slower growth in emerging markets.
Lu added: "China's trade in services has maintained steady growth and development despite rising protectionism globally."
According to Ministry of Commerce figures, trade in services in the Chinese mainland was worth $419.1 billion in 2011, up 15.6 percent from the year before, making it the world's fourth-largest market.
Hong Kong remained the mainland's biggest services trade partner, accounting for 26.8 percent of its business.
The mainland's services exports to Hong Kong increased by 23.5 percent year-on-year to $73.34 billion, while its imports of services rose by 15.1 percent to $38.87 billion, the ministry figures show.
"However, the services sector contributed just 43 percent to China's GDP growth in 2011, lower than that in developed economies, which generally accounts for around 50 or 60 percent.
"In addition, the quality of China's trade in services is not very good," Lu added.
Landmark building should respect the public's feeling
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