Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa will visit London and Paris next week to renew ties with political and business leaders and brief them on Hong Kong's latest economic, political and social developments.

Mr Tung will depart for London on November 8 and visit Paris on November 12 and 13. He will return to Hong Kong on the 14th.

In London, Mr Tung will call on Prime Minister Tony Blair, meet business leaders, members of the China Britain Business Council, representatives from the Chinese Association in London, Hong Kong students, and attend a luncheon hosted by the HK Association, which comprises prominent UK businessmen with strong links with Hong Kong.

He will speak at the HK Trade Development Council Annual Dinner and at a luncheon co-hosted by the HK Economic & Trade Office (London) and HSBC for leading and potential British investors.

Mr Tung will officiate at the finale of the Hong Kong: Live It, Love It! campaign and attend a concert presented by the HK Chinese Orchestra at the Natural History Museum.

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In Paris, Mr Tung will meet President Jacques Chirac and Minister of Economy, Finance & Industry Francis Mer, and other senior French officials.

Mr Tung will meet business leaders in Paris and address a luncheon co-hosted by the HK Economic & Trade Office (Brussels) and the HK Trade Development Council.

Accompanying Mr Tung will be Director of the Chief Executive's Office WK Lam, Director of Information Services Yvonne Choi, and Private Secretary to the Chief Executive Robin Ip.

Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang will act as Chief Executive during Mr Tung's absence.