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The Hong Kong/Guangdong Strategic Development Research Group (the Group) conducted its 7th meeting in Guangzhou today (June 3). The Group confirmed cooperation plans concerning the implementation of Chapter Ten, Clause 4 of the Framework Agreement on Hong Kong / Guangdong Cooperation. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Secretary General of the People's Government of Guangdong Province and Director General of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Guangdong Province, Mr Tang Hao, and Head, Central Policy Unit, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Professor Lau Siu Kai.
In accordance with Chapter Ten (Arrangements on Mechanisms) Clause 4 (Consultation Channels) of the Framework Agreement on Hong Kong/Guangdong Cooperation, both sides will "strengthen the channels of consultation for cooperation between Guangdong and Hong Kong, expand the consultative functions of the Hong Kong/Guangdong Strategic Development Research Group, involve representatives and experts from the Mainland and various sectors of Guangdong and Hong Kong, study the strategies, ways and problems on development cooperation in various areas, conduct forums on development cooperation, and provide policy suggestions to high-level officials of Guangdong and Hong Kong".
At the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on how to implement the relevant sections of the Framework Agreement on Hong Kong/Guangdong Cooperation, and discussed the cooperation plan for the next year. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in two areas, namely research and the organisation of a series of seminars, conferences, forums and visits.
The Hong Kong/Guangdong Strategic Development Research Group was established in 2003 under the Hong Kong/Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference. Members include officials from Central Policy Unit of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Guangdong Provincial Government.
Since its establishment, the Group has been promoting and establishing a consultative exchange platform that links up the government and community of both sides, as well as with academics, business, professional associations, community organisations and other non-governmental organisations. Example of the Group's activities includes a "Seminar on Implementation of the Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta" held in February 2009.
In these few years, a multi-level platform that connects both sides has flourished through a series of visits, exchanges, seminars and thematic studies.
Ends/Thursday, June 3, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:21
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