3.	Major exchanges of visits between Taiwan and Hong Kong last year
A.	An eight-member Hong Kong District Board delegation visited Taiwan on August 27, 2000. They called on the Mainland Affairs Council, Straits Exchange Foundation, Vice President Jao Ying-chi of the Legislative Yuan, the Taipei City Council, Taipei City Government, district boards, Taipei City Caucus of the Kuomintang, and the KMT Overseas Affairs Department. Delegates joined a seminar with the Association of Friends of Hong Kong and Macao. This exchange of visits enhanced mutual understanding between grassroots organizations in Taiwan and Hong Kong as well as facilitated exchanges and learning of democratic experiences from both sides.
B.	Hong Kong and Macao Chinese organized a large group of 1,382 persons for the National Day Celebration and arrived in Taiwan on October 9, 2001. The next day, they participated in the celebration, parade, and gathering. They also took part in the demonstration and exhibition at Ching Chuan Kang air base in Taichung and enjoyed sightseeing trips to major scenic spots later. This large turnout of Hong Kong and Macao Chinese for the National Day Celebration testified to their strong support and concern for the government of the Republic of China. Their trips also benefited people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and Hong Kong.
C.	John Medeiros, deputy consul-general of the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong, called on MAC Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen on November 24, 2000. Later, he visited the National Palace Museum. This trip will contribute to American officials’ understanding and their grasp of Taiwan’s social and cultural situation.
D.	Taipei City Mayor Ma Ying-jeou, invited by the Hong Kong Policy Research Institute, visited Hong Kong on February. 11, 2001. He took part in the second Two-city Forum, visited urban developments and hillside land reclamation projects, and met with HK Chief Executive Tung for the first time. This trip established a good model for exchanges of city administration experiences. The Hong Kong media gave prominent play to Ma’s visits and comments, generally contributing to Hong Kong people’s understanding of the government’s policies and positions.
E.	Christine Lok, chairwoman of Hong Kong Civil Rights Party, visited MAC Chairperson Tsai on March 15, 2001. They exchanged views on current Taiwan-Hong Kong exchanges. Her trip greatly promoted exchanges and interaction between the two places, and helped expand the number of fields for bilateral exchanges.
F.	A delegation of 12 members of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong visited Taiwan on March 19, 2001. The delegation called on the president and Premier Chang Chun-hsiung. They also visited the Vice Director Chu of Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, MAC Vice Chairman Chen Ming-tong, and Wu Shui-mu, the director of the General Affairs Department of the Government Information Office. The delegation exchanged views with government agencies on trade and economic issues, contributing to bilateral exchanges and cooperation.
G.	Minister of Finance Yen Chin-chang and Chairman Chen Po-chih of the Council of Economic Planning and Development visited Hong Kong on March 29, 2001 to take part in a financial forum sponsored by Credit Suisse First Boston. They delivered speeches and exchanged views with participants. They also made use of the forum to explain to multinational CEOs Taiwan’s financial market and economic development. Their trips also contributed to economic exchanges between Taiwan and Hong Kong.
H.	Hong Kong legislative councilors Lau Chin-shek and Lee Cheuk-yan called on MAC Vice Chairman Chen Ming-tong on April 16, 2001. They exchanged views on the Hong Kong situation and issues between the two places. This exchange benefited Taiwan-Hong Kong relations and future development.
I.	Hong Kong business leaders organized a Taipei Economic and Trade Delegation to visit Taiwan on May 14, 2001. They called on the president, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Mainland Affairs Council, Commission of Overseas Chinese Affairs, Chinese National Federation of Industries, China External Trade Development Council, Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce, Taipei City Government, and Taipei City Council. This trip not only enhanced exchanges and cooperation in Taiwan-Hong Kong economic relations, but also exchange views on related issues. The exchange of views with government officials helped mutual understanding and awareness.
J.	The president received the Hong Kong Taiwan Business Association delegation on May 16, 2001. He affirmed the association’s efforts and contribution to the protection of Taiwan businessmen’s interests in Hong Kong. He also expressed appreciation for the delegates concern for their homeland Taiwan. The president urged the Beijing government and the HKSAR government to be more pragmatic in handling Taiwan-Hong Kong relations. He encouraged them to continue using their influence to support the government’s work in Hong Kong in order to further expand relations between the two places.