Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau on Sunday said Hong Kong will be exploring business opportunities in emerging economies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) bloc.

His comments came as Chief Executive John Lee embarked on a visit to the Asean member states of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Speaking on a TV programme, Yau said Hong Kong can offer professional services to these countries.

"We can bring in a lot of professional services to these countries, to help their economic development. These countries have a very strong relationship with China. With this relationship, I think there are a lot of opportunities there."

The commerce minister also said the government may set up more Economic and Trade Offices (ETOs) in Asean countries, in addition to the existing ones in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.