An agreement signed by Hong Kong and Canadian engineers giving them closer ties has been welcomed by the Government.

The HK Economic & Trade Office in Canada today hailed the deal between the HK Institution of Engineers and the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers to mutually recognise each other's professionalism. The agreement was signed at the council's annual meeting in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

The Hong Kong institute members will be eligible to become licensed engineers in Canada if they pass an examination or interview on local law and practice and demonstrate they have obtained a year's experience equivalent to those obtained in Canada.

Fruitful exchange

Trade Office Director Bassanio So said the agreement will foster closer economic ties between Hong Kong and Canada as it facilitates the movement of professional engineers.

"This is vital to Hong Kong in its role to be the gateway for Canadian engineering companies to enter the Mainland," Mr So said.

"It is an encouraging boost to the already close ties between Hong Kong and Canada not only in economic and trades but also in the field of professionalism. We look forward to fruitful co-operation and exchanges between engineers in Hong Kong and Canada towards the common good of the two communities."