Third PPRD Forum opens in Yunnan

The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, and the other heads of governments in the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) region, this afternoon officiated the opening ceremony of the third PPRD Regional Co-operation and Development Forum in Qujing. In a welcoming speech, the Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Yunnan Provincial Committee, Mr Bai Enpei, said strengthening co-ordination in the region would promote co-operation between the Mainland and the two Special Administrative Regions -- Macao and Hong Kong. He said it would enhance the links between the Mainland and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). After the ceremony, Mr Ho and the other heads of governments in the PPRD region unveiled a stone pillar carved with important events and dates of their co-operation. Afterwards, Mr Ho touched the water at the source of the Pearl River, to indicate its importance. In the evening, Mr Ho and his delegation attended a banquet hosted by the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee and the Yunnan Provincial Government. Tomorrow, Mr Ho is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the third PPRD Economic and Trade Co-operation Fair and a session with some commerce officials from member of ASEAN. In the afternoon, he is scheduled to deliver a speech in a forum participated by the high-ranking officials in the region, and attend a meeting with other heads of governments in the PPRD region. They are scheduled to hold a press conference in the same evening.