Chief Secretary Henry Tang will depart for Venice on August 25.

He will call on the leaders of the Veneto Region Government and officiate at the opening of the Hong Kong Exhibition at the 12th Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition, which features the three conceptual plans of the West Kowloon Cultural District. He will also speak at the West Kowloon Cultural District forum.

Mr Tang will head to Zurich August 29 to discuss potential co-operation with its arts and cultural sector.

He will then go on leave from August 30 and return to Hong Kong September 4.

During his absence Secretary for Education Michael Suen will be acting Chief Secretary.