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The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, arrived in Taipei this afternoon (September 24). Serving in his capacity as the Honorary Chairperson of the Hong Kong-Taiwan Economic and Cultural Co-operation and Promotion Council (ECCPC), he met with personalities from the Taiwan authorities and attended a welcoming dinner hosted by the Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Co-operation Council (THEC) in the evening.
Speaking after his arrival, Mr Tsang said that he was glad to visit Taipei again in his capacity as Honorary Chairperson of the ECCPC. Regarding the Third Joint Meeting of the ECCPC and the THEC tomorrow (September 25), he said he looked forward to reviewing the outcomes and progress achieved through the ECCPC and THEC platform as well as discussing new areas of co-operation.
The ECCPC and THEC had already accomplished some fruitful outcomes, he said. These include the mutual establishment of offices, the signing of a memorandum of understanding for banking supervisory co-operation, an air services agreement, and allowing Taiwan visitors to make prior arrival registration through the Internet free of charge.
In the afternoon, Mr Tsang had consecutive meetings with the "Minister of Finance", Mr Chang Sheng-ford, and the "Minister of Mainland Affairs Council", Dr Lai Shin-yuan. Mr Tsang exchanged views with Mr Chang on global economic prospects and the impact of Euro crisis on the two places. During the meeting with Dr Lai, Mr Tsang thanked Dr Lai for her contribution to the promotion of Hong Kong-Taiwan relations. These were followed by the welcoming dinner hosted by the THEC.
While in Taipei, Mr Tsang will meet with representatives from the economic, trade and financial sectors, relevant personnel from the Taiwan authorities and Hong Kong people based in Taiwan. He will also visit cultural and creative facilities in the city.
Mr Tsang will return to Hong Kong on Wednesday (September 26).
Ends/Monday, September 24, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:04
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