10 September 2003 (Wednesday)

The Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, will leave Hong Kong today (10 September) for Europe to promote Hong Kong's logistics and maritime services as well as its position as the premier hub port of Asia. This visit is part of the Government's relaunch campaign to raise Hong Kong's profile after it has successfully contained the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

During his stay in Europe, Mr Ip will meet senior government officials, business leaders, and media representatives to update them on the latest developments of Hong Kong's logistics, port and maritime industries. He will give speeches at three "Hong Kong Relaunch Lunches" in Amsterdam, Copenhagen and London to brief the business community about the latest development and business opportunities in Hong Kong.

In Copenhagen, Denmark, Mr Ip will meet with the Minister of Transport, Mr Flemming Hansen, and Mr Knud E Stubkjaer, Chief Executive of Maersk Sealand, the world's biggest shipping liner company. He will also officiate at the opening of a photo exhibition featuring the scenic beauty of Hong Kong to attract tourists to visit Hong Kong.

In the Netherlands, Mr Ip will call on the Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, Ms K M H Peijs; and Mayor of Rotterdam, Mr Ivo Opstelten. He will also visit the port of Rotterdam, the port of Amsterdam and the Schiphol Airport to exchange views with the authorities concerned on their operations and developments.

While in London, Mr Ip will meet with Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mr Bill Rammell; Parliamentary Under-Secretary and Minister for Aviation, Department for Transport, Mr Tony McNulty; and Parliamentary Under-Secretary and Minister for Employment Relations, Competition and Consumers, Department of Trade and Industry, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe. He will also meet with officials of the International Maritime Organisation, the Port of London Authority and the British Airport Authority International.

To show support for Hong Kong's maritime industry, Mr Ip will tour the Hong Kong booth at the Seatrade Conference, and give a speech at a reception for Seatrade delegates. The Conference is a renowned international convention to the maritime community. The Hong Kong booth is jointly set up by the Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Shipowners Association to showcase the comprehensive maritime services offered in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Shipping Register, ship finance, insurance, and ship management. He will also officiate at the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition featuring Hong Kong's recovery in the post-SARS period. He will also meet with business leaders in London to brief them on the latest developments in Hong Kong.

Mr Ip will return to Hong Kong on 20 September.