Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki met local officials and attended activities relating to the Strive & Rise Programme during a visit to Harbin, Heilongjiang, yesterday and today.

Yesterday, Mr Chan met CPC Heilongjiang Provincial Committee Secretary Xu Qin to exchange views on deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Heilongjiang.

Highlighting that the two places entered into various pacts at the Heilongjiang-Hong Kong Investment Cooperation Conference, held in Hong Kong in March, Mr Chan said Hong Kong-Heilongjiang exchanges have reached an unprecedented level.

Stressing that Hong Kong possesses unique advantages under “one country, two systems” and offers a favourable business environment, Mr Chan said he eagerly looks forward to Hong Kong-Heilongjiang ties making greater contributions to the country.

Afterwards, Mr Chan attended the launch ceremony of the Hong Kong Patriotic Education Heilongjiang Study Tour, which is part of the Strive & Rise Programme. He encouraged participants to make the most of the study tour to deepen their understanding of the country and to use it to help them set goals for the future.

This morning, the Chief Secretary and members of the study tour visited the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army. He expressed hope that the youths, through learning about the unit’s crimes, would gain a fuller understanding of the hardships encountered in the country’s development and build a firmer patriotic sentiment.

This afternoon, Mr Chan met CPC Harbin Municipal Committee Secretary Yu Hongtao to exchange views on strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong and Harbin.

Highlighting that Harbin has been one of the Mainland cities included in the Individual Visit Scheme since last May, and that direct flights between Hong Kong and Harbin have been launched, the Chief Secretary said he hopes the two cities can work together to develop more co-operation opportunities. He added that he anticipates more young people from Hong Kong will visit Harbin, thereby enhancing their sense of national identity and pride.

Mr Chan returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.