Hong Kong signed an air services agreement with Lao People's Democratic Republic in Hong Kong?on Wednesday, setting up the legal framework for the establishment of direct air links between the two places.

According to a release by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the document is the 60th of its kind ever signed between the region and its partners.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Hong Kong's Secretary for Transport and Housing Ms Eva Cheng said the signing of the agreement is "in line with our policy of progressive liberalization in air services between Hong Kong and our aviation partners."

She expressed the belief that the agreement will "boost tourism and contribute to economic development" in Hong Kong and Laos.

(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2009)