Speech by SHA at 20th Hong Kong - Kagoshima Conference (English only)
***************************************************************

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, at the 20th Hong Kong - Kagoshima Conference this morning (October 19):

Your Excellency Governor Mitazono, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I extend a very warm welcome to the representatives of the Kagoshima Prefectural Government and the participants of the 20th Hong Kong - Kagoshima Conference.

     It is my great pleasure to participate in the joint conference. This event serves as a valuable platform for sharing of views and developing creative ideas on the promotion of two-way exchanges between Kagoshima and Hong Kong.

     Since 1980, Hong Kong and Kagoshima have established exchange programmes in the areas of culture, youth development, trade and industry, and tourism. Numerous performing groups of Kagoshima and Hong Kong have performed in each other's place and have been warmly received. Both sides have co-operated smoothly to make these visits successful.

     Apart from cultural exchanges, the youth exchange programme between Hong Kong and Kagoshima is also a treasure. Over the past three decades, we have sent 15 youth delegations to Kagoshima and received nine youth delegations reciprocally. I understand that our young delegates enjoyed the Kagoshima tour very much, and were particularly impressed by the hospitality shown by the host families during their home stay. Our youths cherish the friendship built during the tour. On our part, we always look forward to receiving the Kagoshima youth delegation in Hong Kong, showing them around, letting them know more about our culture and grasping opportunities for our youth to exchange with them. I believe these youth exchanges can help strengthen the long-term linkage between Hong Kong and Kagoshima.

     I would like to thank the Kagoshima Prefectural Government and related parties in welcoming our youth delegates, and of course the dedication in organising this meaningful conference. I wish this conference a great success.

     Thank you very much.

Ends/Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:29

NNNN