*****************************
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, visited Madrid and Barcelona, Spain on November 15 and 16 (Madrid time).
In the morning on November 15, Mrs Lam met with the Secretary of State for Education, Vocational Training and Universities, Ms Montserrat Gomendio. They exchanged views on enhancing co-operation between Hong Kong and Spain in higher education and arts administration as well as on promoting exchanges between the youth of the two places. Mrs Lam also informed senior officials at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport on the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District and Hong Kong¡¦s creative industries, and invited Spain to consider becoming a future partner at the Business of Design Week organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre.
At a business luncheon co-hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mrs Lam delivered a keynote speech to about 100 guests covering Hong Kong's latest developments. Her speech included Hong Kong¡¦s status as a regional wine trading and distribution hub and the advantages of doing business here, as well as opportunities under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between the Mainland of China and Hong Kong.
In the afternoon, Mrs Lam met with the Minister for Public Works, Ms Ana Maria Pastor Juliˆhn. She briefed the minister on Hong Kong's various infrastructure development projects and the many opportunities available to Spanish construction firms.
After the meeting, Mrs Lam represented the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in signing two bilateral agreements on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and Transfer of Sentenced Persons, while the Government of Spain was represented by the Secretary of State for Justice, Mr Fernando Romˆhn. She also took the opportunity to explain the successful implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" arrangement.
In the evening, Mrs Lam and the delegation attended a dinner hosted by China¡¦s Ambassador to Spain, Mr Zhu Bangzao, at his residence.
On November 16, Mrs Lam proceeded to Barcelona by high-speed train. During the journey, she was given a briefing on board by the railway¡¦s managerial staff.
Upon arrival in Barcelona, Mrs Lam met with the Mayor of Barcelona, Mr Xavier Trias. They exchanged views on strengthening co-operation between the two cities in areas like urban regeneration and harbourfront enhancement. She also briefed him on infrastructure developments in Hong Kong including the West Kowloon Cultural District and other projects aiming to create a vibrant and accessible harbourfront.
Mrs Lam then represented the HKSAR Government in signing a memorandum of understanding with the Mayor of Barcelona seeking to promote exchanges between Hong Kong and Barcelona in the spheres of urban planning, urban design, infrastructure development and waterfront design. The ceremony was followed by a tour of Barcelona's renowned cityscape.
The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Wai Chi-sing, and the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Linda Lai, accompanied Mrs Lam during the visit.
On the conclusion of her visit to the United Kingdom and Spain, Mrs Lam will depart for Hong Kong on November 17.
Ends/Saturday, November 17, 2012
Issued at HKT 00:31
NNNN
