A newly signed sports co-operation agreement could pave the way for the staging of a Shanghai-Hong Kong rally in the near future, said Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho.

Dr Ho and Shanghai Sports Bureau Director Jin Guoxiang signed the Sports Exchange & Co-operation Agreement in Shanghai today.

The two sides discussed a plan from the Hong Kong Automobile Association to have a group of enthusiasts drive from Hong Kong to Shanghai in September to watch the first Formula One race in China.

Dr Ho also visited the new Shanghai International Circuit and a number of sports training facilities, and exchanged ideas with officials on co-operation opportunities.

He supported Hong Kong's driving tour to the Formula One race and proposed organising a Shanghai-Hong Kong rally to strengthen the ties of motorists in the two cities.

Agreement could bring two cities closer

Dr Ho and Mr Jin believed that the agreement would help raise the standards of sports in both places and enable the sports industry to flourish.

The agreement's main aims are:  

* to have sports leaders in both places increase contacts and have more frequent visits;

* to enhance exchange and co-operation between the sports teams, sports clubs, coaches, and sports medicine and sports science organisations;

* to have both places take part in each other's high-level sports events;

* to step up exchange and co-operation in the sports industry.

"Hong Kong is going to host the 2009 East Asian Games," Dr Ho said. "We have a lot to learn from Shanghai in organising large scale sports games and elite athlete training, given their rich experience and success in these areas."