Tsang heading for his first NPC meeting Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen will begin a five-day visit to Beijing on Thursday to attend his first National People's Congress meeting, which begins on Sunday. During his stay in the capital, he is expected to meet leaders of the nine southern provinces and officials from various central government departments. The annual NPC plenum is attended by the country's 3,000 lawmakers. Although the Hong Kong chief executive is not a deputy, he is seated with his counterpart from Macau on the stage at the opening session, among other top mainland leaders. COMMISSIONER TAKES OFFICE The new Foreign Ministry Commissioner in Hong Kong, Lu Xinhua , assumed office yesterday. The 55-year-old Zhejiang native previously served as ambassador to Finland and vice-foreign minister. The commission's website said Mr Lu is married with a daughter. Export data 'distorted' The value of goods exported in January rose by 4.2 per cent from a year ago to $190 billion. The result is below the 6.7 per cent increase during December. A government spokesman said January's results were distorted by the difference in the timing of Lunar New Year this year and last.
