3 -
She also took the opportunity to sign the Hong Kong/Australia Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters with Mr Darl Williams, Attorney General and Minister for Justice of Australia. Also present at the opening ceremony was the speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Mr John Murray.
The signing of the bilateral agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters was to enhance the co-operation between Hong Kong and Australia in the investigation and prosecution of criminal offences and proceedings relating to criminal matters.
Right next to the Hong Kong House in the Queen Victoria Building, a Hong Kong promotion organised by the HKTA was being staged. The main attraction at the promotion was a 18-metre tall lantern, the world's largest, specially built to celebrate the Mid-autumn Festival.
Joined by the Hong Kong delegates made up of senior government officials and leading businessmen who were currently in Sydney promoting Hong Kong, Mrs Chan toured the promotion featuring a travel expo and a consumer promotion.
During the day, Mrs Chan and the delegates also had opportunities to exchange views with the business community and members of a think-tank on issues of mutual interest. She first took part in a roundtable discussion with the State Chamber of Commerce, New South Wales, and later attended a luncheon hosted by the Asia- Australia Institute, University of New South Wales.
In the evening, Mrs Chan attended as a guest of honour a gala dinner organised by the HKETO to celebrate the Hong Kong promotion in Australia.
The Hong Kong delegates and guests from the Sydney political, business and professional community then enjoyed a cabaret show performed by singer Frances Yip and popular Australian singer, Tony Pantano.
Amid her hectic schedule during the day, Mrs Chan has given two live interviews with ABC AM Radio in the morning and ABC's '7.30 Report' in the evening. She also talked to the editorial board of The Australian, followed by a meeting with the published of the paper, Mr Lachlan Murdoch.
Tomorrow (Tuesday), the major promotional activity will be a half-day business conference organised by the HKTDC. Mrs Chan will deliver a keynote speech at a luncheon and hold a press conference afterward. She will also have meetings with political leaders and visit a children hospital. Her programme in Sydney will conclude in a pop concert organised by the HKETO and produced by the Television Broadcasting Ltd at the Sydney Town Hall.
End