SDEV begins visit to Beijing (with photos)

     The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, started his visit programme in Beijing today (May 6), meeting with officials of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Water Resources to foster closer ties and exchanges with the Mainland authorities.
      
     In the morning, Mr Wong first met with the Director of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, Mr Zhao Gang, to discuss Hong Kong's participation in the Mainland's foreign aid construction projects.
      
     He then had a meeting with the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Mr Ni Hong, to discuss matters relating to mutual recognition of professional qualifications under the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), Hong Kong’s participation in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as the preparation of next year's Mainland and Hong Kong Construction Forum.
      
     In the afternoon, Mr Wong met with the Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Mr Wang Qian. They exchanged views on promoting mutual recognition of professional qualifications for planners, and sought to enhance exchanges between professionals of the two places.
      
     Mr Wong also met with the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Jiang Xuguang, to exchange views on water resources management, allocation of Dongjiang river basin water resources, Dongjiang water supply agreements and flood prevention work.
      
     Accompanying Mr Wong on the visit are the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Lam Sai-hung, and the Deputy Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Francis Chau.
      
     Mr Wong will call on the Ministry of Commerce and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council tomorrow. He will return to Hong Kong tomorrow night.