Historic Legco trip to Beijing to include tech sector tours, seminars and visits

All 90 Hong Kong lawmakers are set to head to Beijing for a historic “national affairs study visit” in July, attending seminars, visiting key authorities and inspecting the tech sector during their week-long trip.

The visit to the capital from July 19 to 25, which will include seminars on national security and geopolitical issues, is expected to cost about HK$1.4 million (US$179,000) in total, according to a paper submitted to the Legislative Council on Thursday.

The estimated cost for each lawmaker is around HK$15,600, which includes HK$3,700 for an economy round-trip flight ticket and HK$11,000 for accommodation, meals, local transport and sundries.

The legislature earlier this month revealed that all lawmakers were expected to join the delegation during the summer recess, marking the first collective trip to Beijing by the entire Legco since Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.

The paper – submitted for discussions at Friday’s House Committee meeting – said the visit would allow lawmakers to “better grasp the central authorities’ governance philosophy and development strategies” and deepen their understanding of national policies and development.

The document also linked the trip to Hong Kong’s efforts to align with the national 15th five-year plan, noting the city was conducting research and gathering views from various sectors to help formulate its first five-year development blueprint.

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