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The Secretary for Justice, Mr Wong Yan Lung, SC, started a two-day visit to Chongqing municipality today (August 12) to enhance the connection between Hong Kong and Chongqing.
He will exchange views with authorities there on various issues including legal co-operation, mutual legal assistance, legislative affairs, development of arbitration and community mediation.
The Department of Justice entered into Legal Services Co-operation Agreement with Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Justice in 2002. Hong Kong and Chongqing have been maintaining close contact since. Apart from reciprocal visits, internships and legal exchange programmes have also been organised.
Mr Wong today met top officials of Chongqing to learn about the latest development of the municipality. He also met representatives of Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Justice, Legislative Affairs Office and Higher People¡¦s Court.
Tomorrow (August 13) he will first visit Southwest University of Political Science and Law, and discuss with lecturers and students of the Law School issues of mutual concern before heading for Chengdu in Sichuan to attend the Eighth China Lawyers¡¦ Forum.
On Friday (August 14), he will join the activities of the China Lawyers¡¦ Forum, meet with top officials of Sichuan province and representatives of Sichuan Provincial Department of Justice. He will also visit a rehabilitation, prosthetic and orthotic centre operated by Hong Kong Red Cross in Deyang.
The centre is the first of its kind set up in Sichuan province for the affected people after the May 12, 2008, earthquake. Apart from providing rehabilitation, prosthetic and psychological support services, training programmes are also given to related personnel.
Before returning to Hong Kong on Saturday (August 15), Mr Wong will visit a rehabilitation centre under West China Hospital of Sichuan University for those injured in the earthquake. He will know more about how non-governmental organisations from Hong Kong work with local groups there in the provision of rehabilitation services.
Ends/Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Issued at HKT 11:10
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