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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, has today (April 2, HK time) touched down in Toronto for a four-day official visit to Canada.

Mr Tung was greeted by China's Ambassador to Canada, Mr Mei Ping, China's Acting Consul General in Toronto, Mr Li Shiqi and Canada's Consul General in Hong Kong, Mr Colin Russel.

During the visit, Mr Tung will brief political and business leaders on Hong Kong's economic recovery, its development as a technology and innovation hub, opportunities arising in Hong Kong from China's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the long-term strategy to position Hong Kong as Asia's most cosmopolitan and dynamic 'World City'.

The Chief Executive will highlight business opportunities for Canadian companies in Hong Kong, especially in the environmental and technology fields, and speak on the successful implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems'.

"I am here basically to renew old acquaintances and make new friends," said Mr Tung.

"I will also be explaining how well Hong Kong has been doing in the two-and-a-half years since Reunification, how well we have implemented 'One Country, Two Systems' and how well our economy is now recovering.

"I will also point out to our Canadian friends the vast opportunities of commerce and trade in the Asia-Pacific Region and the increased opportunities when China becomes a member of the WTO.

"Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to help Canadian businesses expand in these areas, so I am very much looking forward to my visit."

Mr Tung said that Canadian companies were particularly strong in the technology and environmental industries.

"We would welcome their participation in developing these industries in Hong Kong," he said.

On Monday, Mr Tung flies to the Canadian capital Ottawa for meetings with Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Finance Minister Paul Martin.

Mr Tung will also hold talks with the Canada-Hong Kong Parliamentary Friendship Group and attend a briefing and demonstration at a high-tech company.

On Tuesday, Mr Tung returns to Toronto where he will deliver two keynote speeches - a luncheon address to more than 800 business, political, academic and Chinese community leaders and a dinner function to be attended by about 200 of Canada's top corporate executives.

Mr Tung is also due to meet Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman and receive a briefing on environmental issues by state and local government officials.

Photo: The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, and Mrs Tung are greeted by China's Ambassador to Canada, Mr Mei Ping, and his wife Mei Lin Sa, after arriving in Toronto.

End/Sunday, April 2, 2000

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