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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, said today (February 11) in Hangzhou that Zhejiang and Hong Kong have their own unique cultural characteristics. He believed that closer collaboration and exchange between the two places would not only foster the development of Chinese culture, but also enhance mutual understanding and harmony between the people of Hong Kong and the Mainland.
Mr Tsang paid a two-day visit to Hangzhou in the capacity of the Honorary Head of the "Zhejiang-Hong Kong cultural and economic co-operation" delegation. During his visit, he met with the Governor of Zhejiang Province, Mr Xia Baolong; the President of Zhejiang Chinese Overseas Friendship Association, Mr Tang Lilu; and the Director-General of the Cultural Department of Zhejiang Province, Mr Yang Jianxin, to share views on the Zhejiang – Hong Kong cultural co-operation and exchange.
At the meetings, Mr Tsang noted that the "Twelve Five-Year Plan" stipulated that cultural exchange and co-operation among the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau should be strengthened. The HKSAR government is determined to grasp this opportunity to strategically foster the arts and cultural development. He looks forward to deeper and broader co-operation between Zhejiang and Hong Kong in the future.
In addition, Mr Tsang attended "The Power of Culture - cultural economy and economic civilisation" forum on behalf of the HKSAR Government. The forum was jointly organised by associations including the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the Association for the Promotion of Global Chinese Traders Fraternity Limited to explore the relationship between cultural and economic development, as well as encourage the development of cultural industries and the protection of cultural resources.
Mr Tsang also visited Xiling Society of Seal Arts this morning. Xiling Society has a long and renowned history in seal carving studies as well as seal-engraving. The current president is the prominent sinologist Professor Jao Tsung-I, who is living in Hong Kong.
Ends/Saturday, February 11, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:45
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