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The Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Mr Jia Qinglin, continued his visit this afternoon (June 27) with a relaxed stroll through the newly opened Hong Kong Wetland Park.
Occupying an area of 61 hectares in Tin Shui Wai, the park is the first of its kind in Asia and is the city's first major eco-tourism facility aimed at promoting green tourism, environmental protection and wetland conservation.
On arrival, Mr Jia was greeted by Secretary for Economic Development and Labour Mr Stephen Ip, Commissioner for Tourism Miss Au King-chi and Acting Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Mr Lau Sing-pang.
Dressed in casual wear, Mr Jia first walked through the 10,000-square-metre "Wetland Interactive World" in which live animals and quality displays showcase the wonders of the wetlands in themed galleries.
In the "Living Wetlands" gallery, he was interested to explore the wetlands in its various forms from the poles to the tropics – the Frozen North, Tropical Swamp and Hong Kong Wetlands.
In the Viewing Gallery, he took the opportunity to chat with students visiting the park. He said the Wetland Park was not only a tourist attraction, but also a place for the public to get closer to nature. A student presented him with a portrait of himself.
At the end of his visit, Mr Jia experienced a close encounter with wetland wildlife by touring the Wetland Discovery Centre, where schoolchildren conducted simple experiments there.
After the tour, Mr Jia went on to visit a "teacher" family in Tin Chung Court, Tin Shui Wai. Mr Ng Tuen-yuen had taught in Heung To Middle School for 37 years and retired in 2002. His daughter, Miss Ng Yuen-fun, is a serving secondary school teacher in Tin Shui Wai. Two of her three elder brothers are also pursuing a teaching career.
Accompanied by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, and the Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho, Mr Jia chatted with the family.
In his inscription for the family, he wished a healthy development of Hong Kong's education. He also presented souvenirs, including a DVD player, a collection of Chinese music CD and a picture album, to them.
This evening, Mr Jia attended a dinner hosted by the Chief Executive in his honour at Government House.
Ends/Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Issued at HKT 21:40
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