Views exchange: Chief Secretary Henry Tang and Director for Home Affairs Pamela Tan meet the chairmen and vice chairmen of 18 District Councils.

The Government will hold a summit in May to explore the development strategy of district administration, Chief Secretary Henry Tang says.

He said the Government attaches great importance to district administration which is crucial to enhancing the governance. He added the functions of the new-term District Councils will be greatly enhanced to include managing designated district facilities.

Mr Tang and Financial Secretary John Tsang attended the first monthly meeting of the third-term District Council chairmen and vice-chairmen today, saying they look forward to a closer partnership with the councils to improve people's livelihood and promote social harmony.

Explaining the National People's Congress Standing Committee's decision, Mr Tang stressed the Government is firmly committed to taking forward Hong Kong's constitutional development.

He said the Government's primary responsibility is, as far as 2012 is concerned, to formulate proposals that will get wide support and lead to further democratisation.

He hoped the councils will continue to play an active role when the community discusses, and seeks to forge consensus on, constitutional development.

Cultural district welcomed

On the West Kowloon Cultural District project, the chairmen and vice-chairmen generally supported its early implementation, the upfront endowment approach in financing the project, and the setting up of an authority to give it the greatest latitude and freedom in developing a world-class cultural district. Mr Tang also urged the councils to help promote the development of arts and culture at district level.