Cultural exchange: Chief Secretary Henry Tang meets UK Culture & Tourism Minister Margaret Hodge to discuss cooperation on cultural issues.

Chief Secretary Henry Tang has met with UK Culture & Tourism Minister Margaret Hodge on his visit to London, to discuss strengthening arts and cultural links between Hong Kong and the UK.

Mr Tang also briefed Mrs Hodge on the progress of the West Kowloon Cultural District project. They shared experiences in promoting arts and culture.

To learn more about the planning and operation of comprehensive arts and cultural venues, Mr Tang visited the Barbican Centre and the Tate Modern arts gallery.

The Barbican Centre is a multi-arts centre, featuring art, film, music, theatre, dance, education and residential areas. Mr Tang was updated on the complex's evolution and development over more than 25 years, and its mode of governance.

Tate Modern is Britain's national gallery of international contemporary art, created in 2000 from a disused power station. It attracts more than 5 million visitors a year. Mr Tang was briefed on Tate Modern's expansion plan.

He also paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Fu Ying.