May 24, 2012

Chief Secretary Stephen Lam officiated at a ceremony marking the completion of reconstruction projects funded by Hong Kong in Sichuan's earthquake-stricken areas today. He also witnessed the signing of co-operation agreements with the province's government.
 
Sichuan Executive Vice-Governor Wei Hong also officiated at the ceremony.
 
Mr Lam said Hong Kong and Sichuan have taken forward 190 reconstruction projects in four years, costing $10 billion.
 
"As at today, 123 projects have been completed or have commenced operation. A vast majority of Hong Kong-funded projects will be completed within this year," he said. "The two governments have set up a three-tier liaison and co-ordination mechanism and have been maintaining close communication on project progress and the use of funds, with a view to ensuring quality and the safety of the projects."
 
Representatives from the Development Bureau and the Sichuan Provincial Department of Housing & Urban-Rural Development signed the Co-operation Agreement on Construction between Sichuan and Hong Kong. Representatives from the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Tourism also signed the agreement.
 
“The two governments will jointly explore the feasibility of implementing early and pilot measures relating to construction service in Sichuan to enable the construction sectors of both sides to open up areas of co-operation that will be mutually beneficial. The tourism administrations will also step up their joint efforts on promotion and enhancement of tourism service types and quality in both places," Mr Lam said.
 
Mr Lam co-hosted a high-level meeting with the Executive Vice-Governor of Sichuan after the ceremony, to take stock of the reconstruction work of Hong Kong in the province and make arrangements for further follow-up action.
 
The delegation visited the Sichuan-Hong Kong Rehabilitation Centre in Chengdu, which is under construction. It is a flagship medical project of Hong Kong, due for completion later this year.
 
The delegation will continue the visit tomorrow.