HONG KONG, March 21 -- Hong Kong's Chief Executive CY Leung on Friday encouraged New Zealand enterprises to develop their business in the special administrative region.

While meeting New Zealand Prime Minister John Key at the Government House, the chief called on New Zealand's enterprises to make use of Hong Kong's connections to further explore business opportunities on the Chinese mainland.

Leung said Hong Kong and New Zealand enjoy close economic and trade ties and both sides share common beliefs on promoting free trade.