First-hand look: Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang and Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang visit Hong Chi Pinehill Advanced Training Centre.

Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang and Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang visited Tai Po today to meet local residents and workers, and gauge their views on the economic situation.

They first went to Tai Po Mega Mall and talked to stallholders about their operations and sales, especially in the run-up to the Christmas and New Year holidays.

"Talking face to face to business operators about how their businesses are faring and chatting with local residents about livelihood and economic issues helps me stay in touch with public sentiment," the Chief Secretary said.

Helping the disabled

They visited Hong Chi Pinehill Advanced Training Centre, which helps the mentally handicapped. The Chief Secretary said he was delighted to learn that a local company had worked with the centre to provide occupational training facilities and techniques for trainees and provided placement opportunities for the graduates.

The Chief Secretary also attended a Tai Po District Management Committee meeting to learn more about district management. Noting Tai Po's Community Cleanliness Index has been improving, Mr Tsang said different Government departments have been working with residents to improve hygiene.

Meanwhile, John Tsang visited an oyster sauce factory at Tai Po Industrial Estate, touring its testing laboratory, testing kitchen, production line, and its quality assurance and packaging departments.