ENG-2009 — Page 17

April

Calendar of Events in 2009 ¡¡¡

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The one-year multiple-entry Individual Visit endorsement for eligible Shenzhen permanent residents to visit Hong Kong was implemented by the Mainland to facilitate Shenzhen residents to make frequent visits to Hong Kong.

The Chief Executive announces that six economic areas where Hong. Kong enjoys clear advantages will be developed to realise their potential in full. They are testing and certification, medical services, innovation and technology, cultural and creative industries, environmental industry and educational services.

The Chief Justice, Andrew Li, opens the 16th Commonwealth Law Conference in Hong Kong, the first time the conference is held outside a Commonwealth jurisdiction.

The Chief Executive welcomes the State Council's decision to introduce a pilot programme for using RMB for cross-border trade settlements.

Hong Kong hosts the first Hong Kong-Taiwan Inter-City Forum to strengthen exchanges and interaction with Taiwan's cities and counties.

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Wong Yan Lung, visits Beijing to enhance co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong in trade arbitration.

The Chief Executive attends the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2009 in Hainan.

Hong Kong and Vietnam sign a Memorandum of Understanding on education collaboration to promote shared development in education and research.

Hong Kong and Russia sign an Agreement on Mutual Exemption of Visal Requirements in Beijing.

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, leads a business delegation to Guangzhou, starting a series of visits to the nine PRD municipalities to be carried out over two months.

The Chief Executive attends the Expo Central China 2009 in Hefei and holds bilateral meetings with provincial leaders.

Swine Influenza is declared a notifiable disease under Hong Kong law.

The Executive Council approves the implementation of the Government Bond Programme to further develop and sustain the local bond market.

China's Yuanwang-6 space tracking ship arrives in Hong Kong for a six- day visit.

Ocean Park unveiled a new attraction under its Master Redevelopment Project, the Amazing Asian Animals. This is the world's first integrated indoor and outdoor multi-Asian-species exhibit, including four rare red pandas from the Mainland.