January 05, 2012

Hong Kong and Shanghai have signed co-operation agreements in business and trading, culture, civil servant exchange and hospital management, and reached agreement on 28 joint projects.
 
This was the news from Chief Executive Donald Tsang after co-chairing the Second Plenary Session of the Hong Kong-Shanghai Economic & Trade Co-operation Conference in Shanghai today with the city’s Mayor Han Zheng.
 
Mr Tsang said the meeting achieved ideal results, with both sides signing the four co-operation agreements.
 
The 28 joint projects cover business and investment; finance, air transport, maritime and logistics; tourism, exhibition and conferences; innovative technology; creative culture and sport; exchange of professionals; education, medicine and hygiene; and, youth development and society management.
 
He said he and Mayor Han agreed Hong Kong and Shanghai should strengthen ties and contribute to the country’s development.
 
He said they will push ahead for the measures under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement and help Shanghai enterprises enter the overseas market via Hong Kong’s international platform.
 
He said they will work to launch exchange-traded funds on the Mainland, especially in Shanghai, in the coming months. Hong Kong will support the establishment of the joint venture company of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, Shanghai & Shenzhen.
 
Hong Kong’s maritime services industry will be encouraged to set up business in Shanghai and both sides will promote co-operation in cruise tourism.
 
Exchanges between cultural and art groups will be encouraged, while discussions on organising the fourth Tour of Hong Kong & Shanghai Cycling Circuit will continue.
 
Nine tertiary institutions in Shanghai have agreed to exempt Hong Kong students from some of the National Higher Education Entrance Examinations.
 
Also attending the meeting were Secretary for the Civil Service Denise Yue, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Prof KC Chan, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So, and Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Raymond Tam.