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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, concluded her three-day visit to Thailand today (September 6).
In the morning, Mrs Lam visited the Bangkok Mass Transit System, and received a briefing on its operation and benefits to the community, especially at the business districts along its route. The visit was intended to provide useful reference for the proposed Environmentally Friendly Linkage System under the Energizing Kowloon East initiative.
Mrs Lam then called on the Prime Minister, Ms Yingluck Shinawatra. At the meeting, Mrs Lam thanked the Prime Minister for her visit to Hong Kong earlier in the year which has strengthened the economic ties between Hong Kong and Thailand. Mrs Lam said she looked forward to building closer relations with Thailand in different areas, particularly in investment promotion, education and cultural and creative industries, as well as to the early conclusion of the Hong Kong-Association of Southeast Asian Nations Free Trade Agreement (HK-ASEAN FTA) which could promote further economic integration in the region and even closer ties between Thailand and Hong Kong.
"Hong Kong and Thailand already have in place agreements on avoidance of double taxation and investment promotion and protection. During the visit by the Prime Minister to Hong Kong this February, both sides signed a Cooperation Arrangement on Strengthening Trade and Economic Relations. I believe that the HK-ASEAN FTA is fully in line with our common aspiration for enhancing economic integration and common prosperity in the region. We are pleased that Thailand has taken up the role of country co-ordinator in the FTA negotiations, and we look forward to Thailand's continued support to enable the smooth negotiation and early conclusion of the FTA," Mrs Lam said.
Before leaving Thailand, Mrs Lam met with the Minister for Culture, Mr Sontaya Kunplome, to discuss ways to strengthen cultural exchange and co-operation, and to exchange experiences in preserving cultural heritage.
Mrs Lam will arrive in Hong Kong tonight.
Ends/Friday, September 6, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:58
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