Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works (Works), Mr Lo Yiu-ching, today (June 13) led a high level delegation of the construction sectors in Hong Kong and Mainland China on a five-day study visit to explore collaboration opportunities with the construction industries in the Philippines and Cambodia.
The delegation comprises 28 senior executives and professionals from 24 reputable enterprises and organisations from Hong Kong and Mainland China, covering a wide range of businesses including real estate development, construction services and professional services.
On June 14, Mr Lo and members of the delegation will attend a breakfast briefing by officials on trade and industry, construction and investment in the Philippines. The delegation will then visit the Bonifacio Global City, a new city arising from the former American and Filipino military base in the heart of Makati, the financial district of the Philippines.
In the evening, Mr Lo will meet Secretary of Trade and Industry, Mr Peter Favilla before giving a keynote speech at a dinner reception to be attended by senior Philippines officials, including Secretaries of Department in Foreign Affairs, Trade and Industry, Environment and Natural Resources and Transportation and Communications. Other guests will include leading members of the construction, banking, commercial, legal and academic sectors.
On June 15, the delegation will visit the Asian Development Bank Headquarters and pay a courtesy call to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications, Mr Leandro Mendoza, before departing for Cambodia in the afternoon.
In Cambodia, Mr Lo and the delegation will call on the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr Sun Chanthol, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Hor Namhong.
Mr Lo will deliver another keynote speech at a dinner reception in Phnom Penh.
Speaking at his departure, Mr Lo pointed out that Hong Kong had all along been maintaining close relationship with the Philippines and Cambodia in trade and investment and the Philippines market had always been rated high by Hong Kong and Mainland China enterprises.
Mr Lo said: "With rapid growth of the economy in the Philippines and Cambodia, there is strong demand for infrastructure and related facilities, unleashing tremendous opportunities for developers, contractors and consultants. The infrastructure sector is one of the areas which we can strengthen collaboration among the Philippines, Cambodia, Mainland China and Hong Kong."
The delegation will return to Hong Kong on June 17.
Ends/Tuesday, June 13, 2006