The Vice Chairman of the 13th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, continued his visit in Hong Kong for a fifth day today (April 17).

     This morning, Mr Xia, accompanied by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, met with representatives of local and foreign business chambers and listened to their views. 

     After that, Mr Xia, accompanied by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and the Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan, toured the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) and interacted with young financial management trainees of the HKEX. 

     Accompanied by Mr Paul Chan; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; and Mr Joseph Chan, Mr Xia then visited the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). He listened to a briefing by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government on the latest situation and development direction of Hong Kong as an international financial centre. He was also briefed by the HKMA, the Securities and Futures Commission and the Insurance Authority on their work. 

     In the afternoon, Mr Xia headed for the Hong Kong Science Park with Mr Lee and the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong. Upon arrival, Mr Xia first visited the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, followed by the Multi-Scale Medical Robotics Center at the research and development centre of InnoHK. He also attended an exchange session with representatives of the local innovation and technology industry and young scientists.

     After that, Mr Xia proceeded to visit the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Accompanied by Mr Lee and the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, he was briefed by the Council Chairman of the HKUST, Professor Harry Shum, and the President of the HKUST, Professor Nancy Ip, on the development strategy of the University. He then toured the campus and had an exchange session with representatives of teaching staff and students. 

     In the evening, accompanied by Mr Lee, Mr Xia took a boat trip in Victoria Harbour and was briefed by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, and the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, respectively on the harbourfront development and the latest development of cultural and tourism infrastructure in Hong Kong.

     ​Mr Xia will continue the last day of his visit tomorrow, concluding his six-day visit in Hong Kong.

Ends/Monday, April 17, 2023
Issued at HKT 22:56

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