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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, continued his duty visit to Singapore today (February 15), meeting the city's leaders and senior government officials.
In the afternoon Mr Tang called on the Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, and the Senior Minister, Mr Goh Chok Tong. Mr Tang briefed them on the successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" and the latest developments in Hong Kong. Both sides had extensive and in-depth exchanges on a wide range of issues concerning economic and social development.
Mr Tang also met the Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, and the Minister for Manpower, Mr Gan Kim Yong, earlier in the day to exchange views on bilateral economic and trade co-operation, human resources policy, labour protection and retirement protection.
He attended a lunch hosted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr George Yeo.
Concluding the visit, Mr Tang said: "Both Hong Kong and Singapore are small, open economies. With challenges posed by global economic changes, the two places have to consolidate and upgrade their traditional pillar industries. We should actively explore new growth areas and ensure that our human resources can cope with our development needs.
"Meanwhile, we have to tackle internal social problems arising from changes in economic structure and strive to raise our city management levels."
Mr Tang added that Singapore's experiences provided good reference for Hong Kong.
"The visit helps us to strengthen bilateral relations, promote mutual understanding and foster long term co-operation between the two places," he added.
Mr Tang will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (February 16).
Ends/Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:54
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