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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, will leave Hong Kong next Tuesday (May 6) for an official visit to Belgium, Italy and France. This will be his first visit to Europe as the Chief Secretary.
Mr Tang will arrive in Brussels on May 7 and deliver a keynote speech at a Gala dinner co-organised by the Belgium-Hong Kong Society and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Brussels on that day. On May 8, he will officiate at the opening of the Hong Kong Film Festival 2008 at Antwerp. During his stay in Brussels, Mr Tang will meet with senior officials of the European Commission and from the Belgian Government.
Mr Tang will then visit Milan from May 9 to 11. He will visit the Hong Kong Pavilion at the International Optics, Optomery and Ophthalmology Exhibition, attend an eyeware parade and a business luncheon organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). He will also meet with senior officials of the Lombardy Regional Government.
While in Paris during May 12 to 14, Mr Tang will meet with various Ministers of the French Government as well as the business community. He will visit Muse Guimet and Centre Pompidou to take reference from their experience in managing museums. On May 14, he will give a keynote speech at a business luncheon organised by the HKETO in Brussels and HKTDC.
Mr Tang will return to Hong Kong on May 15. During his absence, the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam, will be the Acting Chief Secretary for Administration.
Ends/Saturday, May 3, 2008
Issued at HKT 14:04
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