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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, continued his visit to Australia in Melbourne today (June 17).
Mr Tsang started his day by meeting the Premier of Victoria, Mr Ted Baillieu. He briefed the Premier on Hong Kong's latest developments and the growing business opportunities resulting from its close connection with rapidly developing Mainland China.
The Chief Executive then met the Hong Kong emigrant community in Victoria, encouraging them to promote the city to the Australian community.
Mr Tsang said that as the centre of global economic gravity was shifting from the West to the East, young people will find Asia, in particular the Greater China Region, an ideal place to pursue a career.
"As an education hub with the best universities in Asia, Hong Kong is a favourable education destination for children of Hong Kong emigrants," he said.
At a luncheon organised by Asialink, a non-academic department of the University of Melbourne, the Chief Executive addressed a host of businessmen, politicians and academia to update them on Hong Kong's latest events and opportunities.
"A number of Australian mining services companies have established operations in our city. They cover areas such as engineering, valuation, education and mining finance," the Chief Executive said.
"Their presence is linked to the opportunities arising from ongoing developments in the Mainland's mining industry. Australian companies can leverage their expertise and knowledge to capitalise on these opportunities, using Hong Kong as a familiar and low tax business platform.
"Elsewhere, we are promoting six knowledge-based industries where Hong Kong has a distinct advantage in our region. In each of these areas there is great potential for stronger collaboration between Hong Kong and Australia."
In the afternoon, Mr Tsang visited Federation Square, a civic centre and cultural precinct run by a company owned by the Victorian State Government. The design of the area - which originated through a competition - has been acclaimed both locally and overseas.
The Chief Executive was briefed on the operation of the area and its successful branding as a place of culture, dining, shopping, events and tourism services.
Mr Tsang's last activity of the day was a visit to the Royal Children's Hospital. Established in 1870, the hospital is an internationally recognised centre of paediatric treatment, teaching and research. Its cardiac surgery unit also receives patients from Hong Kong.
Accompanied by the Under Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Gabriel Leung, Mr Tsang was briefed on the hospital's development plan and its experience in public private partnership.
Mr Tsang said Hong Kong was pressing ahead with the development of medical services with private sector involvement, as well as the establishment of a multi-partite medical centre of excellence in paediatrics in Kai Tak. The experience of advanced countries such as Australia may serve as a useful reference.
Ends/Friday, June 17, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:46
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