The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Sichuan Provincial People's Government today (April 8) signed Project Co-operation Arrangements (PCA) for Provincial Road 303 (Yingxiu to Wolong section) and the Master Planning Study of Wolong Nature Reserve projects in Chengdu. The PCAs further underpin the HKSAR Government’s support for reconstruction in the Sichuan earthquake-stricken areas.
The Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, signed the PCAs respectively with the Vice-Director of the Sichuan Provincial Communications Department, Mr Xian Xiong and the Vice-Director of the Sichuan Provincial Forestry Administration Department, Mr Li Xiaokang.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mrs Lam said the signing of the PCAs signified a milestone in the HKSAR's support for reconstruction works in the Sichuan earthquake-stricken areas.
"The PCAs set out in detail the project scope, estimates, planning and technical standards, programme, payment milestones as well as arrangements in respect of project management, disbursement of project funds, procurement, and supervision. The signing of the PCAs will ensure efficient and effective use of the project funds," Mrs Lam said.
The HKSAR Government and the Sichuan Provincial People's Government signed the "Co-operation Arrangement on HKSAR's Support for Restoration and Reconstruction in the Sichuan Earthquake Stricken Areas" on October 11, 2008. It provides the framework for co-operation on matters such as 20 first stage reconstruction projects, project and fund management arrangements, as well as the liaison and co-ordination mechanism. The HKSAR Government also signed Letters of Intent for Provincial Road 303 (Yingxiu to Wolong section) and the Master Planning Study of Wolong Nature Reserve projects respectively with the Sichuan Provincial Communications Department and the Sichuan Provincial Forestry Administration Department.
Mrs Lam met with Vice-Governor of the Sichuan Provincial People's Government, Ms Huang Yanrong, to get an update on the progress of reconstruction work in the earthquake stricken areas. She also held discussions with officials from six Mainland cities where comparatively more reconstruction projects supported by Hong Kong were implemented in order to get a better understanding of reconstruction work in these cities.
Also attending today's signing ceremony were the Vice-Commissioner of the Sichuan Development and Reform Commission, Ms Liu Yuan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Sichuan Provincial People's Government, Mr He Ping, and the Division Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, the Sichuan Provincial People's Government, Mr Guo Jianong.
Ends/Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:32
NNNN