ENG-2002 — Page 433

COMMUNICATIONS, THE MEDIA AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

To mark the HKSAR's 5th Anniversary, the Singapore HKETO organised a Building a Dynamic Hong Kong exhibition in July. The exhibition showcased Hong Kong's major developments in infrastructure, transportation and logistics, community facilities and preservation of heritage and the environment. The HKETO also organised receptions in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to mark the anniversary.

Brand Hong Kong was widely publicised in Bangkok with the launching in July of a Skytrain decked out in Hong Kong's new visual identity and the slogan 'Asia's world city'. Several large pictures of Hong Kong were painted on the train. Running on the elevated track through the heart of Bangkok for two months, the Brand Hong Kong Skytrain impressed some 300 000 passengers using the commuter system daily as well as pedestrians in the streets below.

Australia

At the invitation of the Australian Government, the Chief Secretary for Administration visited Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney in August. In Canberra, he met the Prime Minister, Mr John Howard, and briefed him on Hong Kong's latest economic and political developments, including the newly introduced accountability system in government. In addition, Mr Tsang met the Foreign Minister, Mr Alexander Downer, the Federal Treasurer, Mr Peter Costello, the Minister for Trade, Mr Mark Vaile, and the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, Mr Philip Ruddock. He also met the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Simon Crean.

At the state level, the Chief Secretary called on the Premier of New South Wales, Mr Bob Carr, in Sydney and the Premier of Victoria, Mr Steve Bracks, in Melbourne. He updated them on the latest developments in Hong Kong, highlighting business opportunities for Australian companies arising from China's accession to the WTO. In both cities, Mr Tsang delivered keynote speeches to academics, community and business leaders on Hong Kong's latest economic situation and political development, highlighting its close relationship with the Pearl River Delta.

During his visit, the Chief Secretary officially opened the Hong Kong Setting the Pace in Asia exhibitions in Melbourne and Sydney, which showcased Hong Kong's latest infrastructure, IT and financial developments. Mr Tsang also launched a tourism promotion campaign, Hong Kong Cultural Kaleidoscope in Sydney. In discussions with Hong Kong students studying in tertiary institutes in Melbourne and Sydney, Mr Tsang briefed them on the outlook for Hong Kong's economy and encouraged them to return and contribute to Hong Kong's future development upon the completion of their studies.

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Elsie Leung, visited Canberra and Sydney in February. In Canberra, Ms Leung met the Attorney General, Mr Daryl Williams, and other senior law officials. In Sydney, she gave a speech on 'One Country, Two Systems' at the 2002 World Congress on the Peaceful Reunification of China and World Peace. At a dinner gathering organised by the Sydney HKETO, she spoke on Hong Kong's latest developments in legal services and opportunities for Australian legal companies in Hong Kong upon China's accession to the WTO.

In May, Mr Stephen Ip, then Secretary for Financial Services, visited Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney. In Sydney, he delivered a keynote speech on the state of Hong Kong's financial services at the Australia-Asia Financial Services and

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