ENG-2002 — Page 431

COMMUNICATIONS, THE MEDIA AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Didier Reynders, and the European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs, Mr Pedro Solbes. Mr Leung signed an Agreement between Hong Kong and the EU for the Readmission of Persons Residing without Authorisation. The Agreement, the first of its kind signed by the EU, follows on from the Community's decision in March 2001 to grant visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders and is part of the EU's broader strategy for combating illegal immigration. Signing on behalf of the EU were the European Commissioner for External Relations, Mr Christopher Patten, and the European Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs, Mr Vitorino. Mr Leung also addressed guests at a business luncheon hosted by the Belgium-Hong Kong Society.

Visiting France at the invitation of the Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry, Mr Francis Mer, Mr Leung officiated at a delivery ceremony in Toulouse for Cathay Pacific Airways' new ultra long range Airbus A340-600. In Paris, he met some of France's most senior bankers and addressed over 200 French businessmen at a luncheon, urging them to take advantage of Hong Kong's special position as a financial services and management hub to seize opportunities in the Pearl River Delta.

Hong Kong's ties with Ireland were enhanced when the Financial Secretary visited Dublin at the invitation of the Tanaiste (Deputy Prime Minister), Mrs Mary Harney, on the final leg of his tour. Mr Leung met the Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Mr Bertie Ahern, at Dublin Castle. Then Mr Leung and Mrs Harney exchanged two Joint Statements, one on Information and Communications Technology, the other on Small and Medium-Size Enterprises and designed to strengthen trade and economic links. This was the first time that Hong Kong had entered into a bilateral arrangement on SME cooperation with another economy. Mr Ahern and Mrs Harney warmly welcomed the launch that day by the Financial Secretary of an Ireland-Hong Kong Forum, an initiative to foster business links between the two economies, supported by various Irish business organisations and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. On the education front, Mr Leung witnessed the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Chinese University of Hong Kong's award-winning Business School and Dublin's prestigious Trinity College, heralding the beginning of a relationship between these two major universities that will include student exchanges and possibly collaboration in research activities. He also took part in a presentation ceremony for the sponsoring of Irish students to visit Hong Kong.

An exhibition of photographs of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Vision, was shown in Paris in February, in the Belgian city of Namur in September and in Dublin in November, the latter being opened by the Financial Secretary. In May, the School of Dance of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts gave performances in Paris, Brussels and Vienna. The Chief Secretary for Administration addressed the audience before the performances in the latter two capitals.

The Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho, visited London in November to exchange views with leading figures in creative industries in the United Kingdom, including architect Lord Foster and designer Sir Terence Conran. In a meeting with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sports, Ms Tessa Jowell, Dr Ho discussed the role of government in spearheading the development of creative industries as a major contributor to the national wealth. Other subjects covered included sports promotion, planning and provision of major sports facilities, culture, and gambling policy.

359