Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui on Friday summarized her first official visit to Beijing since taking office. During her trip, she met with Xia Baolong, the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, to discuss various initiatives and collaborations.
Law reported that Xia showed a keen interest in how Hong Kong could innovate within the tourism sector, particularly emphasizing the potential of the city’s island and coastal resources.
The tourism chief emphasized the need for Hong Kong to leverage central government policies that are beneficial to the city, using creativity to develop new tourism products that continually attract visitors.
Additionally, Law met with Gao Zhidan, director of the State General Administration of Sports, to discuss the preparations for the 15th National Games, which are being co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau.
She highlighted that more test events are scheduled in the coming months and noted the need for further work in areas such as cultural innovation, ticketing, and broadcasting.
Gao assured strong support for Hong Kong’s sports development, promising assistance in coaching, athlete training, and facility resources, which is expected to enhance the performance of Hong Kong athletes in major and international competitions.
Law also visited the China Film Administration to discuss cooperation and exchanges between the film industries of Mainland China and Hong Kong.
She acknowledged the challenges faced by some Hong Kong film industry practitioners, including the closure of cinemas due to rental issues, and linked these problems to the broader economic context.
Under the CEPA, the mainland’s film market has opened further to Hong Kong films. Law encouraged the local industry to seize these opportunities and suggested that for cinemas to thrive, they must screen not only quality Hong Kong films but also appealing films from mainland China and abroad.
She cited the success of the mainland film “Nezha 2,” which grossed over HK$60 million in Hong Kong, expressing hope that as the economy gradually recovers, it will positively impact the cinema business.
Law also highlighted the positive feedback from players, fans, and tourists for the recently held Hong Kong Sevens tournament, affirming the government’s commitment to effectively oversee and guide the role of the Kai Tak Sports Park.
