SDEV to attend 2015 Mainland and Hong Kong Construction Industry Forum in Yinchuan
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     The Secretary for Development, Mr Paul Chan, will lead a delegation to Yinchuan tomorrow morning (November 1) to attend the 2015 Mainland and Hong Kong Construction Industry Forum. The theme of the forum is "Belt and Road; Collaboration for Success".

     Co-organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Municipal People's Government and the Development Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the forum aims to promote knowledge sharing in construction expertise and management between the industries of the Mainland and Hong Kong. It also seeks to foster ties and co-operation between the construction enterprises of the two places.

     In connection with the "Belt and Road" initiative of the Central Government, the forum this year will be held in Yinchuan, one of the major cities in the new Silk Road Economic Belt, to provide opportunities for Hong Kong's construction industry and related professional sectors to learn about the economy, the present development and the future outlook of the city and exchange views with Mainland counterparts on the opportunities brought about by the "Belt and Road" initiative at the same time.

     Mr Chan will deliver a speech at the forum's opening ceremony on November 2. During the forum, speakers from the Mainland and Hong Kong will talk about the quality of construction works, partnering opportunities under the "Belt and Road" initiative, urban design and building design, and share their experiences.

     During his visit, Mr Chan will also meet with officials of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Municipal People's Government and the Yinchuan Municipal People's Government. He will also conduct study visits to learn about the business environment, the situation of foreign investment, urban planning, residential development and built heritage conservation in Yinchuan.

     The delegation will comprise more than 160 members, including representatives from the Development Bureau, the Construction Industry Council, trade associations and professional institutions, as well as construction industry personnel, legal professionals, accounting professionals and Legislative Council Members Dr Lo Wai-kwok and Mr Tony Tse.

     Accompanying Mr Chan to the forum will be the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Hon Chi-keung; the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Daniel Chung; the Director of Architectural Services, Mr Leung Koon-kee; the Director of Buildings, Mr Hui Siu-wai; the Director of Drainage Services, Mr Edwin Tong; the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Frank Chan; and the Deputy Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Chan Chi-ming.

     Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon of November 4. The Under Secretary for Development, Mr Eric Ma, will act as Secretary for Development from November 3 to the morning of November 4.

Ends/Saturday, October 31, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:01

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