The European tour that Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa starts today will give him a chance to improve his image overseas, along with that of Hong Kong in the aftermath of Sars, according to an academic.
During his six-day trip, Mr Tung will meet British Prime Minister Tony Blair and French President Jacques Chirac.
He is expected to discuss issues such as the city's political situation, constitutional reform, trade and economic issues.
Joseph Cheng Yu-shek, professor of political science at City University, said Mr Tung would try to promote Hong Kong as a city that had recovered from the political turmoil of the summer.
'Given the poor popularity Mr Tung has suffered recently in the political crises, this overseas trip will improve his image and boost his popularity,' Professor Cheng said.
'But we should expect little significant breakthroughs or anything concrete to be achieved from the trip, as the British will be very diplomatic and will not seek to push on sensitive issues, such as constitutional development.'