24th September 2023 – (London) The Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit to London on 23rd September (London time), focusing on exploring the operations of the city’s renowned Elizabeth line and engaging with the Chinese community residing in the UK.
In the morning, Mr Chan paid a visit to Paddington Station, where he familiarized himself with the operations of London’s Elizabeth line. The line is managed by MTR Elizabeth line (MTREL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the MTR Corporation. Spanning an impressive 128-kilometre route with 41 stations, the Elizabeth line boasts a weekly passenger patronage of 4 million. It successfully commenced full operation in May 2022, providing efficient and convenient transportation options for Londoners.
MTREL’s dedication to excellence in operating the Elizabeth line was recently acknowledged with the prestigious Passenger Operator of the Year 2023 award at the United Kingdom’s National Rail Awards. The assessment for the award took into account various factors such as customer service, punctuality, reliability, safety, and effective communication with passengers.
Expressing his admiration, Mr Chan remarked, “Hong Kong possesses extensive experience and has gained recognition in designing, constructing, and operating infrastructure projects. In recent years, our public organizations, including the MTR Corporation and the Airport Authority Hong Kong, have been invited to share their management expertise and practices in various countries, successfully overseeing important transport infrastructure projects. This clearly demonstrates Hong Kong’s exceptional soft power.”
During noon, Mr Chan had the opportunity to engage with Chinese residents living in the UK over a pleasant lunch. This informal gathering provided a platform for meaningful discussions about their experiences and lives in the UK. Moreover, conversations touched upon the economic and social situations in both Hong Kong and the UK, including the perspectives expressed by the UK’s political and business communities regarding Hong Kong.
Mr Chan’s visit aims to strengthen ties between Hong Kong and the UK, fostering greater understanding and collaboration between the two regions. Such exchanges serve as valuable opportunities for cultural exchange and the sharing of insights, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of both economies.
As Mr Chan’s visit continues, he is expected to participate in further engagements and activities aimed at bolstering relations and exploring potential avenues of cooperation between Hong Kong and the UK. By leveraging Hong Kong’s expertise and experiences, such interactions have the potential to create mutually beneficial outcomes for both regions.