The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is playing host to Mr Liu Gongchen, Director General, Maritime Safety Administration of the People's Republic of China, under its Distinguished Visitors Programme (DVP). Mr Liu is accompanied by Mr Sun Ji, Director of the General Office of the PRC Maritime Safety Administration.

Under the DVP, the Authority invites prime movers and opinion-makers in the international maritime community to Singapore for an exchange of views.

This morning, Mr Liu called on the MPA's Director-General, Mr Chen Tze Penn and held discussions with MPA officials on issues of mutual concern. He later went on a sea tour of the port of Singapore and visited the MPA's Port Operations Control Centre (POCC). During his visit, Mr Liu will also pay a courtesy call on Mr Mah Bow Tan, Minister for Communications.

Tomorrow, Mr Liu will be giving a public talk at the Temasek Club Auditorium.

A graduate from Dalian Maritime University, Mr Liu is an experienced master mariner, having served in the China Ocean Shipping Company for over a decade. In 1988, Mr Liu was appointed Deputy Director of the Qingdao Maritime Safety Administration, Ministry of Communications. Later in 1995, he assumed the position of Director of the Qinghuangdao Maritime Safety Administration, Ministry of Communications. He was appointed the Director- General of the PRC Maritime Safety Administration in March 1997.

Mr Liu will depart for home on 12 Mar 98.

End of Statement.