Talks with mainland authorities underway to welcome pandas to HK

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said talks between the SAR government and mainland authorities are now underway to facilitate the arrival of a pair of giant pandas gifted to Hong Kong in celebrating the 27th anniversary of the handover.

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Lee said on Tuesday morning that his administration has been liaising with the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration to discuss arrangements.

A Hong Kong delegation will soon travel to Sichuan to start with the relevant preparation work, with details to be announced in due course, he said.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong leader again expressed his gratitude for the support from the central government.

He believes that the new pair of giant pandas becoming new members of the Hong Kong family will bring joy and happiness to the city, and attract tourists from around the world.