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ˇ@ˇ@The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, today (January 23) completed his visit programme in Japan.
ˇ@ˇ@At a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Masahiko Koumura, and the former Prime Minister and Special Advisor to the Japan Hong Kong Parliamentarians League, Mr Yoshiro Mori, Mr Tang outlined Hong Kongˇ¦s latest developments. Both sides noted the close ties between Japan and Hong Kong and hoped to see further cooperation and exchanges in social cultural development and environmental protection.
ˇ@ˇ@In the morning, Mr Tang visited the National Art Centre and the Roppongi Hills at Art Triangle Roppongi. This was followed by a visit to Tokyo Midtown which integrates cultural, business and residential facilities with restaurants, shops and public space. Through the visit, Mr Tang had a better understanding of the concept, management and operations of the Art Triangle.
ˇ@ˇ@Mr Tang said, ˇ§ The concept of Art Triangle Roppongi has successfully merged culture and the arts with the everyday life of citizens. It is a good reference for the West Kowloon Culture District project.ˇ¨
ˇ@ˇ@The Chief Secretary also attended the Lunar year-end luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo and addressed a gathering of Hong Kong people and overseas Chinese living in Japan.
ˇ@ˇ@The Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Hitoshi Kimura, hosted a dinner for Mr Tang and his delegation in the evening.
ˇ@ˇ@In concluding his visit, Mr Tang said, ˇ§ This is my first visit to Japan as Chief Secretary for Administration. During this trip I had cordial and constructive exchanges with Japanese political and business leaders on co-operation between Hong Kong and Japan. Tokyo has strived to develop its cultural and creative industries in recent years. I am pleased to have this opportunity to better understand the ideas and their execution. This will shed light on our efforts to turn Hong Kong into a metropolitan city with a robust cultural and arts scene.ˇ¨
ˇ@ˇ@Mr Tang and his delegation will return to Hong Kong tomorrow.
Ends/Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:38
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