GREEN-MINDED US Vice-President Al Gore swapped environmental notes with Chief Secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang yesterday, and could be on his way to the territory.
Mr Gore, who has written a much-acclaimed book on the environment, is considering an invitation from Mrs Chan to visit Hong Kong for the World Congress on Urban Growth and the Environment in November.
''I know the Vice-President's travelling schedule is an almost impossible one, but he has at least agreed to consider it,'' Mrs Chan said after their half-hour meeting.
The Vice-President extended his own invitation - for Hong Kong to take part in one of his pet green projects, called Globe.
''My office will be delighted to make sure our participation is an active and constructive one,'' said Mrs Chan.
Discussions on China relations were ''extremely useful'', the Chief Secretary said. ''The Vice-President is very interested in everything that's going on in Hong Kong.'' Discussion had centred on the imminent US decision on whether or not to renew China's Most Favoured Nation trading status.