The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The delegation of the Legislative Council Panel on Welfare Services and the delegation of the Labour and Welfare Bureau began the three-day duty visit to the Mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) today (August 30), to learn about the latest development of the provision of elderly and rehabilitation services in the Mainland, as well as the needs of Hong Kong residents who retire there.

     Upon arrival in Guangzhou in the morning, the delegations first met with Hong Kong residents retiring in the Clifford Estates to gain a better understanding of their lives there. The delegations then visited the Clifford Elderly Care Centre in Clifford Hospital and other elderly care facilities.

     In the afternoon, the delegations engaged in a policy exchange session with the Department of Civil Affairs of Guangdong Province. During the meeting, Members, Party Secretary of the Department, Mr Ding Hongdu, and the representatives of the Department explored opportunities for collaboration between Hong Kong and Mainland cities in the GBA in areas such as medical, elderly care and rehabilitation services.

     With a view to enhancing elderly care service, the Department of Civil Affairs of Guangdong Province will issue the "Opinions in relation to Promote the Construction of Basic Elderly Service System" in September this year. Meanwhile, nine cities of the Pearl River Delta will provide ten thousand beds for the elderly in need, providing an additional retirement option for Hong Kong's elderly.

     The delegations will continue its duty visit in Guangzhou tomorrow (August 31) and travel to Zhaoqing in the afternoon to visit the Hong Kong Jockey Club Helping Hand Zhaoqing Home for the Elderly.

Ends/Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Issued at HKT 23:20

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