Games talk: International Olympic Committee Co-ordination Commission Chairman Hein Verbruggen chats with Chief Executive Donald Tsang at Government House.

International Olympic Committee Co-ordination Commission Chairman Hein Verbruggen has hailed Hong Kong's progress in planning and building facilities for hosting the 2008 Beijing Games Equestrian Events.

Mr Verbruggen, leading a committee delegation to Hong Kong for a two-day visit, made the remarks today, calling on Chief Executive Donald Tsang and Chief Secretary Rafael Hui. He reassured them the commission will support and guide Beijing and other co-host cities in making the games a success.

The delegation held a series of meetings with the events' stakeholders, including the Equestrian Committee, the Jockey Club and the Hong Kong Sports Federation & Olympic Committee. Members were also briefed on venue construction and different functional areas, such as security control, accommodation, quarantine and transportation arrangements.

On veterinary and quarantine services, delegation member Catrin Norinder, who represents the International Equestrian Federation, spoke highly of the professional arrangements conducted by Government agencies.