HONG KONG, Jan. 16  -- Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So met with Minister of Commerce of Thailand Chatchai Sarikalya on Friday to exchange views on trade and economic ties, the government news website said here.

During the meeting, So expressed his gratitude to Thailand for rendering support in the Hong Kong-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (HK- ASEAN FTA) negotiation.

He expressed wishes that Thailand, as the ASEAN co-ordinator country for the FTA, would continue to be the champion for the smooth progress and successful conclusion of the negotiation.

The HK-ASEAN FTA will facilitate the flow of goods, services and investment, bring more business opportunities and stimulate further growth in the region, he said.

"We will endeavor to conclude the negotiation by 2016 so that businessmen and investors of Hong Kong and the ASEAN can reap the benefits of this important FTA," So said.

On general trade and economic relations, So said Hong Kong and Thailand were close partners, noting that trade between the two sides has grown at an average annual rate of 10 per cent from 2009 to 2013.

So also took the opportunity to exchange views with Chatchai Sarikalya on the importation of rice from Thailand, Hong Kong's largest rice supplier.

He wishes that the Thai government would continue to ensure a stable supply of rice to Hong Kong.