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The Secretary for Development, Mr Paul Chan, attended the IV Moscow Urban Forum in Moscow yesterday (December 11, Moscow time) and spoke in the opening plenary session on themes including drivers of city development, relationships with neighbouring cities and the relationship between national policies and city development.
Mr Chan also shared his views on the economic cycle and infrastructure investments. He said, "We should not lose sight of long-term objectives because of short-term economic fluctuations. It is important to plan and implement infrastructure investments to keep the city's competitiveness. If the investments are properly implemented, they can boost the economy during a downturn, while the society can reap the full benefits of the economic upcycle."
The Moscow Urban Forum aims to provide a global platform in which government officials as well as experts and academics in city planning and urban development can exchange views and share experiences.
Mr Chan also attended meetings of the Moscow International Advisory Board on Urban Development on December 9 and 10 (Moscow time). The Board, comprising government officials, academics and experts from several major cities around the world, discussed the urban planning in Moscow, the Moscow River regeneration and redevelopment project, and the ideas of developing New Moscow.
Mr Chan visited Crocus City, a modern development project of about 70 hectares situated in the northwestern part of Moscow comprising commercial and residential complexes, hotels, offices, a convention and exhibition centre, a concert hall and other entertainment facilities.
During his visit in Moscow, Mr Chan had a luncheon with the Mayor of Moscow, Mr Sergei Sobyanin, and a breakfast meeting with the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development and Construction, Mr Marat Khusnullin. He also met with the State Secretary - Deputy Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Russian Federation, Mr Aleksandr Plutnik, and called on the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China to the Russian Federation, Mr Zhang Xiao.
Accompanying Mr Chan on the visit are the Director of Drainage Services, Mr Daniel Chung, and the Head of the Energizing Kowloon East Office, Ms Brenda Au.
Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (December 13).
Ends/Friday, December 12, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:11
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