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In their visit in Taipei today (September 27), the Hong Kong District Council (DC) Chairmen's delegation called on the local city council and visited a number of cultural, arts and sports facilities.
The delegation also attended a lunch reception hosted by the Chairman of the Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Co-operation Council (ECCC), Mr Lin Chen-kuo. Joining the reception were convenor of the Cultural Co-operation Committee under ECCC, Ms Hsu Li-lin, and other committee members.
During their visit to the city council this morning, the delegation learnt more about its operation, and shared experiences on how to enhance municipal and community facilities and services.
They were later briefed by the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Mr Chen Kuan-fu, on Taipei's cultural policy, in particular the promotion of cultural and creative industries through the community.
After attending the lunch reception hosted by Mr Lin, the delegation went on to visit "Huashan 1914", a century-old wine factory-turned creative park. Members saw for themselves how artists made use of the facility to exchange ideas and embark on creative works, with a view to promoting the cultural and creative industries.
The delegation also visited various sports facilities in Taipei Wen Shan Sports Centre, which was newly opened for public use last month. In addition to swimming pool and fitness room, there are climbing wall and firing range. The delegation later visited the Xue Xue Institute, which offers a wide range of arts and creative courses.
The delegation will go to Taichung by the Taiwan High Speed Rail tomorrow.
The DC Chairmen set off to Taiwan for a four-day visit yesterday to strengthen exchanges between people in Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as enhance DCs' knowledge of community building, and cultural, arts and sports developments in Taiwan.
The delegation is led by Tuen Mun DC Chairman, Mr Lau Wong-fat, and the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, joined the visit as honorary head in the capacity of Vice Chairperson of the Hong Kong-Taiwan Economic and Cultural Co-operation and Promotion Council.
Mr Tsang will take the opportunity to meet with the Chairman of the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee, Mr Thomas Tsai, to exchange views on bidding for the right to host the Asian Games.
Ends/Monday, September 27, 2010
Issued at HKT 21:27
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