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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, started the first leg of his visit to Australia in Melbourne today (June 16).
Mr Tsang first called on the Governor of Victoria, Mr Alex Chernov, who hosted a lunch in the Chief Executive's honour.
The leaders exchanged views on the latest developments of Hong Kong and Victoria. Noting that trade with Victoria accounted for 16 per cent of the bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Australia, the Chief Executive said there was much room for growth.
He added that Hong Kong's positioning as an Renminbi offshore centre, international asset management centre and logistics centre for high valued goods was underscored in China's 12th five-year plan.
He also encouraged companies in Victoria to establish a presence in Hong Kong to take advantage of the city's position as the premier gateway to China.
In the afternoon, the Chief Executive, accompanied by the Acting Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Ms Susan Riley, visited the Melbourne Docklands to learn about its experience of developing a sustainable waterfront community.
The development is in the heart of Melbourne and comprises about 200 hectares of land and water, with seven kilometres of waterfront.
To be completed in stages, the project turns unused government land into an integrated community of residents, workers and visitors.
Mr Tsang was impressed by the scale and ecologically sustainable features of the project, including the use of solar and wind power, the design of large campus-style buildings with natural light, and the emphasis on fresh air circulation and recycling of rain water.
"Hong Kong is committed to enhancing its waterfront areas and related facilities on both sides of Victoria Harbour for the enjoyment of local people and visitors. We also have a lot of urban renewal projects. The experience of developing Docklands in Melbourne is a useful reference," Mr Tsang said.
Ends/Thursday, June 16, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:06
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