The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Sichuan Provincial People's Government on April 8 signed Project Co-operation Arrangements (PCA) for Provincial Road 303 (Yingxiu to Wolong section) and the Master Planning Study of Wolong Nature Reserve projects in Chengdu. The PCAs further underpin the HKSAR Government抯 support for reconstruction in the Sichuan earthquake-stricken areas.

     The Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, signed the PCAs respectively with the Vice-Director of the Sichuan Provincial Communications Department, Mr Xian Xiong and the Vice-Director of the Sichuan Provincial Forestry Administration Department, Mr Li Xiaokang.

     The PCAs set out in detail the project scope, estimates, planning and technical standards, programme, payment milestones as well as arrangements in respect of project management, disbursement of project funds, procurement, and supervision. The signing of the PCAs will ensure efficient and effective use of the project funds.

     The HKSAR Government and the Sichuan Provincial People's Government signed the "Co-operation Arrangement on HKSAR's Support for Restoration and Reconstruction in the Sichuan Earthquake Stricken Areas" on October 11, 2008. It provides the framework for co-operation on matters such as 20 first stage reconstruction projects, project and fund management arrangements, as well as the liaison and co-ordination mechanism. The HKSAR Government also signed Letters of Intent for Provincial Road 303 (Yingxiu to Wolong section) and the Master Planning Study of Wolong Nature Reserve projects respectively with the Sichuan Provincial Communications Department and the Sichuan Provincial Forestry Administration Department.