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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (Thursday) met with the President of Tsinghua University in Beijing, Professor Wang Dazhong, at the Chief Executive's office. He commended Professor Wang for the University's assistance and contribution towards training Hong Kong civil servants since 1993.

"Tsinghua has organised 26 residential courses in Beijing for the civil servants of Hong Kong since 1993. A total of 626 students completed the courses -- 481 of the participants were directorate staff, including seven incumbent and former principal officials of the HKSAR Government," Mr Tung said.

"The course is highly commended by all students. It is conducted in the form of lectures and site visits. The contents focus on the study of China affairs to deepen civil servants' understanding of modern Chinese history and the political structure, people's livelihood and current affairs in the Mainland. The course also improves the communication between Hong Kong and mainland officials," he said.

Mr Tung was pleased to note that Tsinghua University had taken into full consideration the views expressed by civil servants concerning the course. The University had continuously improved the content of the course and relevant arrangements.

The Chief Executive urged the University authorities to keep in close contact with the Civil Service Bureau to look at ways to improve the course and other areas of cooperation.

In addition, the Chief Executive also explained to Professor Wang Dazhong the SAR Government's work in stimulating innovation and technology. The Government encouraged collaboration of academic institutions and industry in research and development and expected that the research achievements would benefit transformation of the economy. Mr Tung also hoped that mainland and local tertiary institutes would continue to strengthen their cooperation in scientific research.

Accompanying Professor Wang Dazhong to visit the Chief Executive were the University's Vice President, Professor Yang Jiaqing, and the Director of the Centre for Overseas Academic and Cultural Exchanges of Tsinghua University in Hong Kong, Professor Cui Guowen.

End/Thursday, December 10, 1998

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