CS continues visit to Sichuan to inspect HKSAR-funded reconstruction projects (with photos/video)

CS continues visit to Sichuan to inspect HKSAR-funded reconstruction projects (with photos/video)
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     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Stephen Lam, leading a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delegation, continued his visit in Sichuan today (May 25) and inspected HKSAR-funded reconstruction projects in Dujiangyan. The projects included Sichuan Olympic School and the Giant Panda Conservation and Disease Control Centre.

     Sichuan Olympic School, which received funding of RMB135 million from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, opened in April this year and is the first of its kind in Sichuan. It aims to recruit and train young and talented Sichuan athletes and to develop into one of the best sports schools in the country. The school will also serve as a base for the exchange of sports talents between Hong Kong and Sichuan. The delegation arrived at Sichuan Olympic School and visited students in class. Mr Lam played badminton with a teacher and a student, and chatted with them to learn more about the students' learning environment.

     The HKSAR delegation then inspected the work progress of the Giant Panda Conservation and Disease Control Centre in Dujiangyan. The centre received about RMB129 million from the HKSAR Trust Fund, and is the first of its kind in the world. It aims to provide a study base for scientists from China and abroad. The centre is estimated to be completed by the end of this year.

     Concluding the two-day visit, Mr Lam said, "I am pleased to see that the HKSAR-funded reconstruction projects are running well upon completion. The fact that students are studying hard in the new campus is the best reward for our unremitting efforts. The school will train a new generation of athletes and help them attain international standards. It will also be a good base to facilitate sports exchange among the youth in Hong Kong and the Mainland."

     He added, "Construction of other projects is also being carried out smoothly. Quality of construction and the well-being of the future users are always the priorities of reconstruction work."

     The HKSAR Government officials joining the visit include the Permanent Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Joshua Law; the Team Leader, Sichuan Reconstruction, Development Bureau, Mr Mak Chai-kwong; the Permanent Secretary for Development, Mr Wai Chi-sing; the Permanent Secretary for Food and Health, Mr Richard Yuen; the Under Secretary for Education, Mr Kenneth Chen; and representatives of relevant bureaux and departments.

Ends/Friday, May 25, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:11

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