The Better Hong Kong Foundation and the U.S.- Asia Institute organize the 50th Congressional Staff Delegation to China and the 20th to Hong Kong from August 19-21. Since its inception in 1995, the foundation has been working closely together with the US-Asia Institute in promoting a better understanding between the U.S. and the Hong Kong SAR.
The delegation to Hong Kong marks an important event on the U.S.- Asia Institute chronicle and it also symbolizes a milestone of strong partnership between the two organizations. The delegation have been in China from August 12- 18, 2002 before they arrive Hong Kong for a 3-day study mission on August 19. During their visit, meetings are scheduled with key members of the SAR Government and business leaders. (programme enclosed).
The Congressional Delegation, comprising 10 high-ranking Congress and Senate staffers. Through sharing their personal observations and experiences, they hope to foster a greater understanding of China and Hong Kong, through dialogues and meetings with key HKSAR policy makers and business community.
The delegation also examines Hong Kong’s “one country two system” mode of administration in respect of the rule of law, freedom of the press, clean government, and efficient and effective open market. They also take time in meeting people and visiting places on their own, so as to have a first-hand experience of the way and quality of life in Hong Kong.
About the US-Asia Institute:
Founded in 1979 by Esther G. Kee and Joji Konoshima, the US-Asia Institute is a private, non-governmental organizations. It was established to promote dialogue on international issues of common interest to the United States and the countries of Asia. It achieves this goal by striving:
* To promote better understanding between the U.S. and Asia;
* To conduct work visits for American legislators, senior congressional staff members, and other so they can meet their Asian counterparts and vice versa;
* To maintain close ties with the Asian diplomatic missions accredited to the U.S., with members of Congress and their staffs, with other government agencies, and the private and academic sectors, cooperating/consulting with them on matters of mutual interest;
* To organize international conferences and symposiums in the U.S. and Asia on political, economic and security topics, giving voice to the broadest spectrum of viewpoints for discussion;
* To host small, off-the-record gatherings of American and Asian officials, business and academic leaders, providing invaluable opportunities for frank discussion and a candid exchange of views.
About the Congressional Delegates:
Mr. Mark Brown, DELEGATION LEADER
Office of Congressman Tim Roemer (Democrat, Indiana)
Mr. Francis T. Miko
Congressional Research Service
Mr. Daniel Archer
Office of Senator Chuck Hagel (Republican, Nebraska)
Mr. Joseph Pinder II
House Committee on Financial Services
Mr. Rock Cheung
Senate Committee on Budget
Mr. James Sakai
Office of Senator Daniel Akaka (Democrat, Hawaii)
Mr. Eric Eikenberg
Office of Congressman Clay Shaw (Republican, Florida)
Mr. Andrew Shapiro
Office of Senator Hillary Clinton (Democrat, New York)
Mr. Scott Feeney
House Committee on Government Reform
Mr. William Wicker
Senate Committee on Energy
For enquiries, please contact Mr. Kim Wan of The Better Hong Kong Foundation at 2861 2622 or by fax at 2861 3361.
The Better Hong Kong Foundation is a privately funded, non-profit, non-political organization, formed by leading Hong Kong business people to reinforce Hong Kong’s role as the leading regional, financial, shipping, trading, communication and technology center. The Foundation also serves to enhance greater international understanding between East and West by facilitating communications between Hong Kong, China and the international community.