Chief Secretary starts second day visit to Japan (with photos)
*******************************************************

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, today (January 22) started the second day of his visit to Japan.

¡@¡@This afternoon, Mr Tang met the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Mr Kisaburo Tokai.

¡@¡@Mr Tang briefed Mr Tokai on the West Kowloon Cultural District project and learnt about the Japanese government¡¦s policy in promoting arts and culture. Both sides agreed to further promote cultural exchanges and cooperation.

¡@¡@Mr Tang also called on Mr Asahiko Mihara, Director General of the International Affairs Bureau of the Liberal Democratic Party and Secretary General of Japan Hong Kong Parliamentarians¡¦ League. They exchanged views on the economic, social and political situations in Hong Kong and Japan. Mr Tang thanked Mr Mihara for his efforts in promoting co-operation between Japan and Hong Kong over the years and invited him and other Diet (parliament) members to visit Hong Kong.

¡@¡@In a meeting with members of the Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) members and business leaders, Mr Tang discussed with participants the economic conditions of Japan and Hong Kong and the prospect of bilateral economic cooperation. Mr Tang was delighted to learn that the Japanese business sector was generally optimistic about Hong Kong¡¦s economy. In view of Japan¡¦s experience and technology in environmental protection. Mr Tang said that there were ample business opportunities in mutual cooperation in this area.

¡@¡@Mr Tang also met the local media and briefed them on Hong Kong¡¦s latest developments.

Ends/Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:33

NNNN