ENG-2019 — Page 338

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Media and Communications

Cambodia; Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon in Myanmar; and Dhaka in Bangladesh to establish contacts and promote Hong Kong as a vibrant and international financial, trade, educational, art and cultural hub. Support was rendered to the tour of the Hong Kong Children's Symphony Orchestra in Bangkok.

The office organised the visits of the Chief Executive and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development to Bangkok for the first meeting of the Hong Kong-Thailand High-Level Joint Committee, a new platform set up to deepen cooperation between the two economies. It also helped in the Secretary for Justice's trip to Thailand and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development's participation in the third ASEAN Economic Ministers - Hong Kong, China Consultations meeting in Bangkok.

Australia and New Zealand

The Sydney ETO promotes Hong Kong in Australia and New Zealand. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development visited Sydney to sign the Hong Kong-Australia Free Trade Agreement and Investment Agreement on 26 March, after which the office organised business seminars in major Australian cities to promote the benefits and new opportunities to business and media contacts.

To enhance cultural and sports exchange, the office supported Azure Seas Cantonese Traditional Theatre's tour in Australia and New Zealand, and helped with the Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra's participation in a Sydney international music festival and the Hong Kong Sports Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability's participation in Brisbane's INAS Global Games.

The Secretary for Food and Health visited Melbourne and Sydney to promote a limited registration scheme for non-Hong Kong trained doctors and to encourage qualified non-Hong Kong trained healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and Occupational therapists, to serve in Hong Kong's public healthcare system.

Mainland and Taiwan

In the Mainland, the Beijing Office and the four ETOS in Chengdu, Guangdong, Shanghai and Wuhan organise trade seminars, cultural activities, youth exchanges and the visits of Hong Kong business delegations. The investment promotion divisions of these offices promote Hong Kong's business advantages and liaise closely with Mainland enterprises, helping them set up businesses in the city. Various platforms, such as the internet, social media, a newsletter and the radio, are used to publicise the city's strengths and developments. Hong Kong arts and cultural groups obtain support to present events in the capital and other cities.

The year 2019 marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC. The Beijing Office provided support to the Hong Kong delegation, led by the Chief Executive, to participate in the celebration in Beijing, where Hong Kong presented a float at the National Day Parade on 1 October. Throughout the preparations, the Beijing Office helped HKSAR Government departments liaise with Mainland authorities to facilitate the work.

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