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The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, started his itinerary in Europe today (September 16, Malmo time) where he seeks to foster closer collaboration between Hong Kong and European cities on environmental protection issues.
In the morning, Mr Yau toured Sustainability Hilda, a renovated housing estate in Malmo, Sweden to learn about how it has become highly energy efficient and environmentally friendly following a renovation process using "sustainable technical solutions". New ventilation and thermostat-controlled radiators have been installed throughout the housing estate, reducing its power requirements through the efficient use of thermal energy. The project has attracted many visitors and much media attention, and is the subject of ongoing academic research.
Mr Yau also took the opportunity to meet the senior management of environmental industry companies in Malmo to explore possibilities for co-operation.
At a luncheon co-organised by the Royal Sweden Hong Kong Business Council, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (London) and Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Yau briefed the business sector on green business opportunities available to international investors in Hong Kong.
In the afternoon, Mr Yau met the Mayor of Malmo, Mr Ilmar Reepalu, to discuss environmental issues of mutual concern. After the meeting, the two sides signed a Sustainability Charter to further their co-operation in promoting sustainable development and environmental protection.
Later today, Mr Yau will proceed to Copenhagen, Denmark where he will call on the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Domestic Policy, Danish Ministry of Climate and Energy, Mrs Anne Hojer Simonsen, to exchange views on issues of mutual concern. He will also meet the Under-Secretary for the Trade Council of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Vibeke Rovsing Lauritzen, to introduce business opportunities in Hong Kong for Danish green industries.
In the evening, he will speak about Hong Kong's efforts to build a greener city at a dinner co-organised by the Denmark Hong Kong Trade Association, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (London) and Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
Mr Yau will leave Copenhagen for the 10th European Geoparks Conference in Langesund, Norway tomorrow (September 17, Copenhagen time).
Ends/Friday, September 16, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:31
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