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The Hong Kong business delegation continued its visit in Sichuan today (December 8).
The delegation, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, called on Mr Liu Qibao, Party Secretary of Sichuan Province; Mr Wei Hong, Executive Vice Governor; Mr Li Chuncheng, Party Secretary of Chengdu City; and other leaders of the provincial and city governments. The delegation also attended the welcome dinner hosted by the provincial government.
During the meeting with the provincial and city leaders, Mr Tang said that Hong Kong-funded post-quake reconstruction projects were in good progress. He expected this visit to open up new cooperation opportunities. He urged the two sides to use Sichuan as the springboard to enter the western region and step up cooperation in manufacturing industries (in particular innovation and technology), service industries, and tapping the vast domestic market.
Secretary Liu briefed the delegation on the progress of the post-quake reconstruction programme and Sichuan's current economic development. He saw great potential in furthering bilateral collaboration in service industries, tourism, manufacturing industries, and agriculture.
Mr Cliff Sun, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries; Mr David Wong, Chairman (Designate) of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong; Ms Anna Kwong, President of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects; and Dr Winnie Tang, President of the Internet Professional Association also shared their views regarding cooperation in manufacturing industries, sale of Hong Kong products in the Sichuan market, commercialisation of R&D results, and service out-sourcing.
In the morning, the delegation attended the Hong Kong-Sichuan Business Cooperation Symposium and conducted group discussions on three cooperation areas, namely technology and manufacturing; logistics, infrastructure and real estate; and professional services. Over 200 representatives from Sichuan's local governments and business sectors attended the Symposium.
At the Symposium, Mr Tang said that in recent years, Sichuan had continued the development of its traditional manufacturing industry, it also put in great efforts to promote new technology and service industry. This has offered more investment opportunities for Hong Kong enterprises.
"I believe that Hong Kong enterprises will be able to break new grounds in Sichuan with our innovative minds and continued pursuit of quality products and services. I also hope the Sichuan side could provide more measures to help Hong Kong enterprises to showcase their products and build up their business networks, such as simplifying the procedures for setting up retail businesses and customs clearance," Mr Tang added.
Representatives then attended a business luncheon hosted by the HKSAR Government.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited Hanwang Town in Mianzhu County. The town was seriously destroyed during the earthquake.
The delegation will conclude its visit tomorrow after touring the Chengdu High-Tech Zone.
Ends/Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Issued at HKT 22:16
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