French concern over lack of school places in HK
Official tells chief secretary that wave of young expats is creating 'pressure' in education system
A French official raised concerns about the lack of international school places for expatriates' children in Hong Kong at a meeting yesterday with Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.
Helene Conway-Mouret, the senator for French nationals abroad, said in a press briefing after her meeting with Lam that education was one of three key factors the French would consider before moving to a new country.
The other factors were good consular services and security.
"Hong Kong is attracting well-educated, young, dynamic French people who are obviously at the age when they will be having a family. There is further pressure, if you like, from an educational point of view," she said.
Conway-Mouret said she and Lam also talked about a HK$20 million annual grant for research between French schools and the University of Hong Kong, along with a working holiday scheme.
"Cultural links between France and Hong Kong" Video by Hedy Bok
Since last year, the American, British and Canadian chambers of commerce have warned that the shortage of school places could weaken Hong Kong's status as a financial hub. Conway-Mouret is visiting Hong Kong this week to discuss the needs of French expatriates as part of broader moves by newly elected President Francois Hollande's government to enhance consular services for 2.5 million nationals worldwide.