Mrs Lam and Mr Yau then held a bilateral meeting with the Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research of Switzerland, Mr Johann Schneider-Ammann. Mrs Lam noted that Hong Kong and Switzerland, which are among the freest and the most competitive economies in the world, are close trading partners, and that both economies are seeking to maintain their competitive advantages through measures such as vocational and professional education. She encouraged Swiss enterprises to take full advantage of Hong Kong's low taxes, efficient business environment, robust legal regime and advanced infrastructure to access markets across China and Asia. Recalling her visits to various Swiss institutions related to financial technologies (Fintech), innovation and technology (I&T), medicine and education earlier in the trip, Mrs Lam said there is plenty of room for collaboration between the two places and that she looks forward to more co-operation in various areas.