A group picture of BPA delegates taken with Mr Wang Jin-pyng, President of the Legislative Yuan in Taiwan.
The Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong (BPA) visited Taipei from September 25 to 27 during which delegates met with Mr Wang Jin-pyng, President of the Legislative Yuan in Taiwan, and Mr Hau Lung-bin, Taipei Mayor, among other leading figures, to exchange views on political developments in and economic cooperation between Hong Kong and Taiwan. Dr Peter Lam Kin-ngok, BPA Council Chairman, suggested that the BPA take up the role of connecting the business communities in Hong Kong and Taiwan to capitalise on opportunities that arise from closer trade and cultural ties between the two jurisdictions. In addition, the BPA could also serve as an intermediary to facilitate exchanges and interactions between political parties in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Mr Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, BPA Chairman, and Mr Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung, BPA Vice Chairman, also exchanged views with Mr Wang and Mr Hau on promoting Hong Kong-Taiwan cooperation.
Mr Wang congratulated and expressed admiration to the BPA’s achievement in becoming Hong Kong’s second-largest political party, comprising seven Legislative Councilors and twenty-five District Councilors, within two years of its establishment. There were also discussions on the efficacy of legislative bodies in discharging their mandates and in promoting dialogue among different political parties.
At a speech delivered during a dinner banquet, Mr Hau said that Taiwan and Hong Kong have built up close ties in many areas. One of these is in tourism for which Taipei enjoyed the title of one of the most popular tourist destinations for people in Hong Kong. Mr Hau was hopeful of closer bilateral relations through the assistance of the BPA. Dr Lam noted that more than 2 million travelers from Taiwan visited Hong Kong for business and leisure annually. He was hopeful that Hong Kong businesses can leverage on their role as a bridge in strengthening the connection between Hong Kong and Taiwan. He also praised Taipei’s achievements in the cultural and creative industries, which he hoped would augment the experience of Hong Kong tourists traveling to Taiwan.
The BPA’s delegation to Taiwan comprised thirteen members who included Dr Lam, Mr Leung, Mr Lam, various District Councilors and community affairs executives. Apart from meetings with politicians, delegates also attended seminars and visited a local public relations firm to receive a deeper understanding of local elections in Taiwan. They also visited the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park to study the latest developments in Taipei’s creative industry.
 Mr Hau Lung-bin (left), Taipei Mayor, introduced Taipei’s development experiences to Dr Peter Lam Kin-ngok (right), BPA Council Chairman. |
 Dr Peter Lam (centre), BPA Council Chairman; Mr Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen (second left), BPA Chairman; Mr Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung (first right), BPA Vice Chairman and Mr Man Chen-fai (first left), Vice Chairman of the Tai Po District Council, presented a souvenir to Mr Lee Chien-Rong (second right), Chairman of the Grand Hotel in Taipei. |
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