CS continues UK visit (with photos)

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, today (September 27, London time) continued his visit in London, the United Kingdom.

     Speaking at Asia House's roundtable discussion, Mr Cheung pointed out that this term of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government adopted a new governance approach and taken up the new roles of a facilitator and a promoter. The HKSAR Government also pledged to continue to take concrete action to resolve difficulties faced by Hong Kong people under the principle of "Innovative, Interactive and Collaborative".

     Mr Cheung pointed out that the Government adopted these principles in handling youth matters with a view to enhancing communication with youths and engaging them to participate in public affairs including inviting them to join government advisory committees. The Youth Development Commission chaired by Mr Cheung comprised a number of young members.

     He stressed that the HKSAR Government was committed to developing innovation and technology (I&T). He introduced the key measures launched in this respect, including earmarking an additional HK$50 billion to support Hong Kong's I&T development.

     He also mentioned the HKSAR Government's commitment in improving the healthcare system and services including pressing ahead with the delivery of the Hospital Development Plans. He invited overseas medical students to work in Hong Kong after graduation.

     Mr Cheung then attended a roundtable discussion on youth skills and training organised by the Hong Kong Vocational Training Council and the British Council to provide an update on the policy measures introduced by the HKSAR Government to nurture talents, particularly initiatives to promote vocational training and life-long learning with a view to developing the city into a diversified economy.

     In the afternoon, Mr Cheung met the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Mr Matt Hancock, and briefed him on the key measures to improve healthcare services in Hong Kong, including the two 10-year Public Hospital Development Plans and strategies to attract local and overseas talent. They also exchanged views on the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system.

     Mr Cheung then discussed with Deputy Mayor of London for Business, Mr Rajesh Agrawal, on policy initiatives that promote youth development and social inclusion.

     He then met the Chief Executive of the National Citizen Service Trust, Mr Michael Lynas, and the Acting Director of Impact of the National Citizen Service Trust, Mr Naim Moukarzel, to gain a better understanding of the UK's work on nurturing young people to become outstanding talent and enhancing their upward mobility.

     Later, Mr Cheung held a bilateral meeting with the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General, Mr Mel Stride, with an aim to forge closer co-operation between the two places on various financial fronts, such as development of financial technologies (Fintech) as well as asset and wealth management industry.

     In the evening, he addressed the 35th Hong Kong Dinner organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in London to celebrate the long and close business and trade relationship between Hong Kong and the UK.

     Mr Cheung reassured about 400 attendees from the business and other sectors that "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong's trusted legal system were as robust and effective as they always had been.

     He further updated them on Hong Kong's latest economic development, particularly innovation and technology as well as various initiatives launched to promote cross-boundary collaboration and attract research and development talent from overseas and Mainland China to work in Hong Kong.

     Mr Cheung said that with Mainland China on Hong Kong's doorstep, Hong Kong enjoyed unparalleled access to the top manufacturing base and the opportunities of the huge Mainland market, adding that the city would take forward the development of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park with full steam ahead. 

     Stressing that Hong Kong would play an important part in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative, he said that the opening of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the forthcoming Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge would promote closer regional integration and open new markets and opportunities for Hong Kong in the local, national and international arenas. He looked forward to a closer tie between the UK and Hong Kong in a bid to unlock the enormous new opportunities ahead.

     Mr Cheung will continue his visit tomorrow and return to Hong Kong in the afternoon the same day (September 28, London time).