Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will lead the research task force set up by the Working Group on Planning & Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to visit Zhejiang, Beijing, and the Xiong'an New Area in Hebei tomorrow.

The delegation will conduct site visits to local higher education infrastructure and exchange views with university experts and scholars on their successful experiences and development strategies, to efficiently advance the construction of the Northern Metropolis University Town.

Members of the delegation include Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin, Chief Executive’s Policy Unit Head Stephen Wong, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan, Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office Director Linda So and representatives from other working group members.

The delegation will tour local higher education campuses and university towns and exchange views with officials, experts and scholars on the operation and development, and the industry-education collaboration of the campuses.

In addition, the delegation will visit the local Department of Education to discuss strengthening education co-operation.

Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong on Thursday and Ms Choi on Friday.

During Mr Chan's absence, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing will be Acting Chief Secretary, while Under Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai will be Acting Secretary during Ms Choi's absence.