Hong Kong intensifies ties with US

Environment, transportation, economy to be main targets.

According to a report, Chief Executive CY Leung says his visit to the US has been useful and will open a new chapter for Hong Kong, New York and the US.

Speaking to media today in New York, Mr Leung said his numerous meetings with political leaders during the two and a half days he spent there have lifted the level of co-operation to a higher plane.

"We exchanged views on a series of issues of mutual interest including impact of climate change, for example the impact of rising sea level on our city management. We also talked about the development of our public transportation system and treatment and disposal of solid waste."

Mr Leung met with bodies such as the Asia Society and the National Committee on US-China Relations to discuss the role of Hong Kong in the development of Mainland China.

He visited the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and exchanged views with top financial services leaders in the country. He met its former Secretary, Robert Rubin, and discussed the state of the US economy, the world economy and the Chinese economy.

Yesterday he visited the New York City Economic Development Corporation, to discuss ways that the New York Corporation facilitates the development of the local economy. "And that would be in line with our position in Hong Kong, mainly the Government should take a more proactive position in facilitating the ongoing development of Hong Kong's economy."

Mr Leung also spoke at a dinner hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in New York, attended by a delegation of over 200, including entrepreneurs and officials from Guangdong.

"Both the Hong Kong side and the US side place a great deal of emphasis on the potential of further co-operation between the two cities and by extension between Hong Kong and the United States."