ENG-2008 — Page 419

Communications, the Media and Information Technology | 343

the 'Dressage and Jumping with the Stars' in Melbourne. Thousands of visitors to the events learned about Hong Kong's meticulous preparation and superb facilities for the Games, enhancing the city's reputation as a venue for world class sporting

events.

Several senior Hong Kong government officials visited Australia during the year. In August, the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, attended the Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) in Melbourne, and held meetings with the President of the Asian Development Bank and the Treasurer of Australia. Mr Tsang officiated at the reception hosted by the Sydney ETO for the 'Hong Kong Cinema' at the Melbourne International Film Festival. He also took the opportunity to meet state officials and visit wineries in Adelaide to promote Hong Kong as a wine trading and distribution centre.

In September, a Hong Kong delegation led by the Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, attended the World Sustainable Building Conference 2008 in Melbourne to look at the latest developments in 'green' building technology and sustainable built environments.

The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, visited Australia in November. He called on the Federal Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, as well as federal, state and local environment protection authorities in Victoria and New South Wales to exchange views on climate change and other environmental issues.

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Wong Yan Lung, visited Australia in November to strengthen ties with the country and promote Hong Kong as an international legal services and dispute resolution centre. He met senior federal and state legal and judicial officials, including the Chief Justice of the High Court and the Attorney General.

Leading a Hong Kong delegation, the Secretary for Education, Mr Michael Suen, visited Melbourne in December to attend the 2008 International Education Leaders' Dialogue. During his stay, Mr Suen visited the University of Melbourne and met Victoria's Minister for Education.

On the cultural side, the ETO collaborated with the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Melbourne to show works by the renowned Hong Kong film director Johnnie To. The office also participated in four major international film festivals in Australia and New Zealand at which Hong Kong films were shown.

Mainland of China

The Beijing Office and the three ETOS in Guangdong, Shanghai and Chengdu continue to maintain close contact with the Central People's Government and other Mainland authorities and to promote official exchanges between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Mainland authorities. They provide logistical support to HKSAR Government delegations visiting the Mainland and arrange visits of Mainland officials to Hong Kong. The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, made four visits to Beijing in 2008. He also led a 100-strong