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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, had a busy schedule in Sydney today (September 18) before concluding her visit to Australia.
Earlier this morning, Mrs Lam delivered a speech at a boardroom breakfast organised by the Asia Society Australia at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Speaking to the guests from various sectors, she said, "As Hong Kong's economic integration with the Mainland deepens, we will continue to perform our 'super-connector' role - helping a world of companies access the Mainland market. We will also continue to use our free trade strengths, expertise in professional services and our international connectivity to support the Mainland's further opening up to the world. I encourage Australian investors to make good use of Hong Kong as the shortest route to the Mainland market and as the base for the Asian region."
After the breakfast, Mrs Lam toured the Art Gallery of New South Wales to see its collections.
Mrs Lam then paid a visit to the Sydney Dance Company (SDC), which will visit Hong Kong in November to stage two performances in collaboration with the Australian Chamber Orchestra. These performances are presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Previewing the SDC's rehearsal performance, Mrs Lam said, "I am pleased to learn that we will have the SDC's talented dancers performing in Hong Kong soon. I look forward to welcoming more Australian performing arts groups to visit Hong Kong."
Mrs Lam called on the Governor of New South Wales, Mr David Hurley, and attended a lunch hosted by the Governor. Mrs Lam thanked Mr Hurley for his hospitality and they exchanged views on forging closer ties in various areas, including arts and culture, financial services and Renminbi business.
Mrs Lam called on the Chinese Consul General in Sydney, Mr Li Huaxin, in the afternoon. She thanked the Consulate General for the consular assistance provided to Hong Kong residents in need while in Australia.
In the evening, Mrs Lam officiated and spoke at the Business Awards Gala Dinner organised by the Hong Kong Australia Business Association (National) to promote the strength and enduring appeal of Hong Kong as the world's first-class business city.
Mrs Lam will depart for Hong Kong tomorrow morning (September 19), and will arrive in Hong Kong for transit to Beijing in the afternoon.
Ends/Friday, September 18, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:12
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