Japan and Hong Kong reached an investment agreement that will protect Japan's investments in Hong Kong, Foreign Ministry officials said May 15.

The agreement, which was signed between Foreign Minister Yukihiko Ikeda and Hong Kong Financial Secretary Donald Tsang, includes the issue of treating Japan's invested properties the same as Hong Kong's domestic properties, the officials said. It is expected to help facilitate Japan's investment in Hong Kong after its return to China on July 1.

Meanwhile, Ikeda told Tsang that Japan will give favorable treatment to holders of new passports after the reversion. He said the passport holders will be eligible for multiple visas when entering Japan, the officials said.