A group of 28 government officials will take part in a duty visit to the UK from April 18 to April 29.They will meet government officials, clients and customers to gain a deeper understanding of the delivery of public services through partnerships.

The Efficiency Unit said participants will draw on their experiences in considering partnership programmes in Hong Kong.

Since early 1990s, the UK has been using partnerships to deliver many large-scale infrastructure projects and services. It has almost 700 signed partnership projects with a combined capital value of about 40 billion pounds - probably greater than the rest of the world combined.

The visit is co-organised by the Efficiency Unit, the British Consulate in Hong Kong and the UK Department of Trade & Investment.

Led by Efficiency Unit Head Duncan Pescod, the group comprises 28 directorate grade officers and senior professional civil servants, from 20 policy bureaux and departments.

The delegation will attend a two-day seminar in London and hold meetings with officials at central, regional and municipal levels. There will have discussions with British companies involved in partnership projects.

Participants will also visit facilities in England and Scotland, covering water and sewage treatment, waste management, prisons, fire services, flying services, a hospital, school and community sports centre, housing projects, a tram system, transport ticketing, radio communications and information technology systems.