The Hong Kong-Taiwan Economic & Cultural Co-operation Promotion Council will soon be established for both sides to discuss collaboration possibilities.

This was the message from Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam at Hong Kong airport today before departing for Taichung City. He told reporters once the body is established, the Taiwanese will form the Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic & Cultural Co-operation Council.

"The promotion council and its Taiwanese counterpart will provide a platform for the authorities on both sides to conduct discussions and explore possibilities for co-operation in public policy matters and other spheres which are of mutual concern and interest," Mr Lam said.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Rita Lau is joining him on the trip, which will promote Hong Kong tourism and explore possibilities in Hong Kong-Taichung co-operation.