Qiao Xiaoyang, deputy secretary-general of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said Wednesday that his visit to Hong Kong is to collect views of Hong Kong people on the NPC Standing Committee's interpretation of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

He said he was looking forward to meeting people from various walks of life, frankly exchanging views with them and reaching a consensus on the issue.

Qiao, together with Li Fei, deputy director of the Legislative Affairs Committee of the NPC Standing Committee, and Xu Ze, deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, arrived in Hong Kong earlier Wednesday.

The three officials attended a forum Wednesday afternoon chaired by Donald Tsang, Hong Kong chief secretary for administration.

Most of the participants in the forum were Hong Kong academicians and experts.

Hong Kong Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam said at the airport whiling greeting Qiao and the delegation that the three officials are visiting Hong Kong at the chief executive's invitation to exchange views with people from various circles. This will enhance mutual understanding and let Hong Kong people have a better understanding of the Basic Law, which will help Hong Kong promote its constitutional development, Lam added.

He said both the central government and the HKSAR government have been attaching great importance to the views of people from various walks of life in Hong Kong. Qiao and two other officials will further communicate with Hong Kong's Legislative Council members, legal experts and academicians, as well as personnel from other circles.

(Xinhua News Agency April 8, 2004)