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The Chairman of the Chinese People¡¦s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Mr Jia Qinglin, arrived in Hong Kong this morning (June 27) ¡V his first visit to the territory since 1994.
Mr Jia, who will be in Hong Kong for three days, was greeted at Lok Ma Chau by the Chief Executive , Mr Donald Tsang, and was presented with a bouquet of flowers by two young children. Also in the welcoming party were the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Rafael Hui; Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang; Secretary for Justice, Mr Wong Yan Lung; Legislative Council President, Mrs Rita Fan; Executive Council Convenor, Mr Leung Chun-ying and Director of Chief Executive¡¦s Office, Mr John Tsang.
While he had not visited Hong Kong for 12 years, Mr Jia told waiting media that he had been keeping abreast of the situation and well being of the people of Hong Kong. He was pleased to learn of the harmony and strong economic development that Hong Kong now enjoyed and asked reporters to convey his warm regards and well wishes to compatriots in Hong Kong.
Apart from attending a forum to commemorate the third anniversary of the signing of CEPA, the CPPCC Chairman said he would take the opportunity to meet different sectors of the community and explore issues of economic cooperation among Hong Kong, Macau and the Mainland.
He started his trip with a visit to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). On the 56th floor of Two IFC, Mr Jia enjoyed a bird¡¦s eye view of Victoria Harbour and West Kowloon before being briefed by Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang and HKMA Chief Executive, Mr Joseph Yam on Hong Kong¡¦s role as an international financial centre and the development of Renminbi business in Hong Kong.
Mr Jia later toured the HKMA Information Centre to look at Hong Kong¡¦s monetary and banking history.
Ends/Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Issued at HKT 12:34
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