**********************************************************

The Government is determined to realise the concept of "Sustainable Development" which aims to ensure the continued competitiveness of Hong Kong in the long run and a better living environment for ourselves and our future generations, the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, said today (Thursday).

Speaking at the opening of a five-day exhibition on the subject at the Pacific Place, Mr Tung said, "In formulating policies, the Administration will adhere to the principle of 'Sustainable Development' and take it as a blueprint as we march into the 21st Century."

The Chief Executive said that under this principle, far-sighted and appropriate planning would enable the Government to launch large-scale development projects while taking due care of the environment as well as protecting public interests at different levels.

"In the course of development, we should take all our economic, social and environmental objectives into account.

"While we benefit from a rich material life and the sophisticated infrastructures we have developed, we shall never overlook the problems that come with our development.

"Some of the major concerns of people at large are the air quality, marine and river pollution, and some indiscernible ecological problems. For instance, more and more animal species are on the verge of extinction," Mr Tung said.

"This is an alarming sign that something might have gone wrong in the quality of our environment," he added.

Mr Tung said the Government had launched a study on Sustainable Development in Hong Kong for the 21st Century in order to establish a tailor-made strategic mechanism to assess the long-term impact of each development project.

"The success of 'Sustainable Development' depends on the support and participation of the general public," Mr Tung said, adding that the Government would in due course consult various organisations on the implementation of this concept.

Turning to the exhibition, Mr Tung said it aimed to explain to the Hong Kong people how "Sustainable Development" was closely linked with our everyday life.

"I hope that this concept can take root in our community," he said.

The exhibition is organised by the Planning Department from today (Thursday) until Sunday (April 5) as part of an awareness campaign to enhance public understanding of sustainable development.

Four more exhibitions will be held at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin (April 17 - 23), Tuen Mun Town Plaza (April 27 - May 3), Metroplaza in Kwai Fong (May 4 to 10) and Lok Fu Shopping Centre (May 17 to 22).

End/Thursday, April 2, 1998

NNNN