Based in Brussels, Belgium, he was Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Communities from March 2006 to August 2008. On his return to Hong Kong, he took up the post of Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology) from August 2008 to April 2010, and then Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Housing) and Director of Housing from May 2010 to April 2014.