[SCMP Archive] Federation delegation to visit Beijing for talks
About 2,000 staff and pupils from Hong Kong International School marked the end of term in style yesterday by standing in formation on a playing field to make the school logo. Their effort was captured by photographers hovering overhead in a Royal Navy helicopter.
[First published on Dec 22, 1990] The Liberal Democratic Federation will visit Beijing next month to discuss Hong Kong’s economic issues, including the Chek Lap Kok airport project, with Chinese officials.
The group’s trip is set for January 13, a day after the second round of Sino-Hong Kong expert airport talks in Beijing and prior to Governor Sir David Wilson’s China visit.
The delegation, to be led by Chairman Mr Hu Fa-kuang, will be the first mission to China by one of the territory’s budding political parties.
The 150-strong federation, inaugurated in November, comprises members mostly from the business and professional sectors.
Mr Hu last night said the local New China News Agency had arranged for them to meet the director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affair Office, Mr Lu Ping.
He added that they had also asked the agency to help arrange a session with other senior Chinese leaders.
The delegates are expected to include its two vice-chairmen, Executive Councilor Dr Philip Kwok Chi-kuen, and some legislators.
Mr Hu said they would stay in China for about three days.
He said the topics for discussions had yet to be finalized but he expected the Port and Airport Development Strategy to be raised.
The federation wanted China and Hong Kong to exchange more information on the infrastructure plan.
Mr Hu said the timing of the visit had nothing to do with the airport talks or the Governor’s visit.
The second round of Sino-Hong Kong talks on the airport plan will be held from January 10-12, while Sir David will visit between January 21-25.
The federation is the only local political party which is seen as having secured the blessings of the local New China New Agency.
