Another major issue that the China Committee has worked on is Pearl River Delta Integration. A PRD Conference was organised last year, attracting over 300 members. We were glad to see that the HKSAR Government has also put great emphasis on the integrated development of the region. This year, we will continue our PRD programs in order to provide more up-to-date information and business opportunities to our members.

One of the highlights of the Chamber's China events in 2002 was the third biennial China Business Conference in November on "One year after China's WTO membership."

Another major event organised by the China Committee was the working mission to Beijing in January. It was the largest HKGCC China Committee mission to Beijing with 50 members meeting with Central Government officials and the Beijing 2008 Olympics Committee. Other missions included a visit to Anhui and Henan in April, Guangzhou and Shenzhen in June, Tibet in July, Xiamen for the 6th China's International Fair for Investment and Trade in September, and to Shanghai and Zhejiang in December.

Although at this difficult point in the year some of our China programs have been affected, we all hope that the situation will be under control as soon as possible, and the China Committee will continue our efforts to provide the best programs and business opportunities for Chamber members. We believe Mainland China will continue and present tremendous business opportunities as the country continues its economic growth.