ENG-2011 — Page 419

Communications, the Media and Information Technology 363

To further promote Hong Kong, a 'Hong Kong in Australia and New Zealand' Facebook site was launched. The HKSAR flag was raised at Hong Kong House, and two promotional banners were put up outside the premises. Function rooms at Hong Kong House were made available free of charge to Hong Kong-related and other 'not-for-profit' organisations to hold their functions.

The local media were invited to social functions held regularly by the Sydney ETO. The office also assisted in the production of two TV documentaries showcasing Hong Kong's design industry.

Mainland and Taiwan

In 2011, the Beijing Office and the three Hong Kong ETOs in Guangdong, Shanghai and Chengdu continued to maintain close contact with the Central People's Government and other Mainland authorities as well as promote official exchanges between the HKSAR Government and the Mainland authorities. They provided HKSAR Government delegations visiting the Mainland with logistical support and arranged visits by Mainland officials to Hong Kong. The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, made two visits to Beijing in 2011. He also attended the Boao Forum for the Asia Annual Conference in Hainan in April, the 26th Summer Universade in Shenzhen in August, the first China-Eurasia Expo in Xinjiang in September, and the 110th China Import and Export Fair in Guangdong in October.

The Mainland Offices also provided logistical support for the HKSAR Government's participation in a number of major regional co-operation meetings and activities in the Mainland, including the PPRD Regional Co-operation and Development Forum held in Nanchang, Jiangxi in September 2011 and the 15th China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen, Fujian in September 2011.

The Mainland Offices organised seminars as well as visits to different parts of the Mainland for Hong Kong business delegations and organisations. The Investment Promotion Divisions of the Mainland Offices liaised closely with Mainland enterprises intending to invest in Hong Kong and assisted them in following the necessary procedures.

The Economic and Trade Office in Chengdu continued to assist in the liaison between the HKSAR and the Sichuan authorities at different levels on reconstruction matters relating to the earthquake in Sichuan in May 2008.

The Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office (HKETCO) in Taiwan commenced operation on December 19, 2011, with the objective of strengthening the long-term economic and cultural relations and co-operation between Hong Kong and Taiwan. Among other major functions, the HKETCO helps promote bilateral investment, Hong Kong's professional services, culture, tourism, as well as Hong Kong's image in Taiwan. The HKETCO also facilitates business and cultural exchanges between the two places, and provides assistance to Hong Kong residents in Taiwan to the extent possible.