CE concludes Wuhan visit, eyes cooperation with Hubei on carbon emission goals

Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Wednesday (Dec. 1) concluded her Wuhan visit by visiting a local carbon emissions exchange center and meeting teachers and students at Wuhan University. The chief executive has returned to HK via Shenzhen in the afternoon.

Accompanied by Hubei Vice Governor Zhao Haishan, Lam visited the China Hubei Emission Exchange in the morning.

Established in 2013, the exchange aims at combating climate change, developing a low-carbon economy, propelling the upgrading of industrial structures and promoting innovation in environmental protection mechanisms.

Lam pointed out that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has set out proactive strategies and measures on reducing carbon emissions and is striving to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050.

She added that the city can at the same time leverage its status and advantages as an international financial center to develop green financial products and explore cooperation with Hubei to contribute to the country's strategic goals of peaking carbon dioxide by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2060.

During her visit to Wuhan University, she met the university's president Prof Dou Xiankang, toured the campus and had an exchange session with Hong Kong students in Wuhan.

Wuhan University is a comprehensive and key national university directly under the administration of the Ministry of Education with about 250 students from Hong Kong.

Introducing the latest situation of Hong Kong, Lam told the students that in the past two years, with the support of the central authorities, the National Security Law has been enacted and implemented in the HKSAR and the electoral system has been improved, putting HK back on the right track of "one country, two systems" with the implementation of "patriots administering HK" and ushering in a new era.

Lam also briefed students on various schemes rolled out by the HKSAR Government to attract talent, adding that Mainland students are welcome to come to HK to pursue further studies, work, travel and develop careers.

She also attended a lunch hosted by Wuhan University, marking the end of her visit program in Wuhan.

The Chief Executive expressed her sincere gratitude to the Hubei Provincial Government and the Wuhan Municipal Government for their detailed arrangements and hospitality.

She said that during the visit she was deeply impressed by the vitality of Wuhan after it emerged from the epidemic and the abundant opportunities in the city.

She also expressed hope that Hong Kong and Hubei would enhance cooperation for mutual benefit and contribute to the development of the country together.