Closer ties: Secretary for the Civil Service Joseph Wong meets Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for administrative reform, Neil Kinnock, in Brussels to exchange views on administrative reform and other related issues.

Secretary for the Civil Service Joseph Wong called on the Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Administrative Reform, Neil Kinnock, in Brussels today.

The pair exchanged views on reforms in the HK Government and the European Commission.

They also considered the possibility of a secondment scheme for civil servants working in the two jurisdictions.

Mr Wong briefed Mr Kinnock on the HK Civil Service Reform initiated in 1999 with the objective of ensuring that the Government can provide more efficient and cost-effective services to the public, enhancing our competitive advantages.

He also informed Mr Kinnock about Hong Kong's success in containing SARS and underlined the dedication of our civil service and frontline medical and healthcare workers.

Mr Wong started his trip in Europe on June 23 when he met with staff of the HK Economic & Trade Office in London.

He also met staff of the HK Economic & Trade Office in Brussels today.

Tomorrow he will travel to Geneva and meet our trade office staff there.