The Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works (Works), Mr Lo Yiu-ching, and the Vice-Minister of Construction, Mr Liu Zhifeng, witnessed the signing of mutual recognition agreements for planners and quantity surveyors between the Mainland and Hong Kong in Beijing today (May 24).
Mr Lo and Mr Liu also presented certificates to the first batch of structural engineers who have successfully acquired the professional qualification of the other side through the mutual recognition arrangement. Of the 199 structural engineers who have obtained the qualification certificates, 90 came from Hong Kong.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Lo said the mutual recognition of professional qualification would enhance the cross-flow of professional talent and promote the exchange of professional expertise and experience. It would also raise the overall professional standard and promote the development of the construction industries in both the Mainland and Hong Kong, he said.
Mr Lo said that with the staunch support of the Ministry of Construction, the active promotion by the SAR Government and the joint effort of all parties concerned, the two places had achieved very encouraging results in the mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
Mr Lo said that after the implementation of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), there would be closer co-operation and exchange between the construction industries in the two places.
"The rapid development of the Mainland would bring more opportunities to the construction industry in Hong Kong. On the other hand, professionals in Hong Kong, with their advanced professional knowledge and international experience, can also contribute to the development of our country,” Mr Lo said.
The Environment, Transport and Works Bureau signed a co-operation arrangement with the Ministry of Construction in May, 2002, to foster the mutual recognition of professional qualifications. Subsequently, mutual recognition of professional qualifications was included in CEPA, which helped to expedite the discussions on mutual recognition.
Apart from the two agreements signed today, three other professions - estate surveyors, architects and structural engineers - have also established mutual recognition arrangements. More than 600 members from these three professions have acquired the professional qualifications of the other side.
Relevant professional bodies of the two places are actively discussing the mutual recognition for construction supervising engineers, geotechnical engineers and electrical engineers.
Representatives from the Hong Kong Institute of Planners, Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Personnel, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office and other related Mainland organisations also attended the ceremony today.
Separately, architects from both sides jointly held their second training and test session under the mutual recognition agreement in Guangzhou today.
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 Mutual recognition agreements for planners and quantity surveyors signed in Beijing III (Click the photo to enlarge) |
Ends/Tuesday, May 24, 2005
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