Document exchange: Sichuan Provincial Communications Department Vice Director Xian Xiong and Secretary for Development Carrie Lam sign the Project Co-operation Arrangement for the Yingxiu to Wolong section of Provincial Road 303.

Hong Kong and Sichuan today signed the Project Co-operation Arrangements for the Yingxiu to Wolong section of Provincial Road 303 and the Master Planning Study of Wolong Nature Reserve projects.

The agreements further underpin Hong Kong's support for reconstruction in Sichuan's earthquake-stricken areas.

They were signed by Secretary for Development Carrie Lam, Sichuan Provincial Communications Department Vice Director Xian Xiong and Sichuan Provincial Forestry Administration Department Vice Director Li Xiaokang in Chengdu.

Mrs Lam said the agreements detail the project's scope, estimates, planning and technical standards, programme, payment milestones and arrangements in respect of project management, disbursement of project funds, procurement and supervision.

"The signing of the agreements will ensure efficient and effective use of the project funds," she added.

The Co-operation Arrangement on HKSAR's Support for Restoration & Reconstruction in the Sichuan Earthquake Stricken Areas was signed by both sides last October.

It provides the framework for co-operation on matters such as 20 first stage reconstruction projects, project and fund management arrangements, plus the liaison and co-ordination mechanism.

During her stay in Chengdu Mrs Lam also met with vice governor of the Sichuan Provincial People's Government Huang Yanrong to get an update on the progress of reconstruction work.