HONG KONG, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong plays a unique role as the main bridge between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world in the regional economic transformation process, said Martin Wheatley, chairman of Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) on Monday.

Wheatley made the remarks while delivering a welcome address entitled "The Role of Hong Kong in Developing Asia's Capital Markets" at the 3rd Annual Asia Pacific Bond Congress.

He outlined the strengths of Hong Kong and other reasons for Hong Kong to perform the role as both a prime fund raising center for Chinese mainland enterprises and a platform for mainland investors looking to invest abroad.

"As the main platform for bringing international capital into the Chinese mainland and channeling the mainland's huge savings to the international market, including the rest of Asia, Hong Kong is able to facilitate not only the continuing growth of the Mainland economy but ultimately also the continuing growth of other Asian economies, thus bringing win-win benefits to all parties," he said.

He said the Chinese mainland recently announced Qualified Domestic Institutional Investor's (QDII) scheme which will open up channel for Chinese mainland investors to invest abroad.

The scheme will bring many benefits for the Chinese mainland. It provides an opportunity to channel the mainland's huge savings to the international market and the scheme will also expose mainland institutions to markets that adopt a sound regulatory framework and intermediaries that abide by global standards, he said.

Wheatley said by playing a key role in advising Chinese mainland institutions in their overseas investments, "we will be able to share our skills and experience with our mainland counterparts."

He said China is a major force in the global economy. It is also a key contributor to Asia's growth. The continued growth in the mainland's economy will therefore undoubtedly drive growth in other Asian economies given the increasing integration in the region. Enditem