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

The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, announced today (Tuesday) that the Central Government, on the request of the Hong Hong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG), would render every possible assistance to help relieve the cargo handling problems encountered by the new Airport.

The HKSARG sent a letter to the Central Government yesterday (Monday), briefing them on the latest position regarding the air cargo handling operation at the new Airport. A request was made to the relevant authorities to facilitate the airlines concerned in using the Huangtian Airport at Shenzhen.

A joint departmental meeting was held this morning by the Central Government. Attending the meeting included officials from the civil aviation, customs, inspection of commodities authorities and the administration. The meeting agreed to offer full support and assistance to the SARG in its cargo handling services.

A delegation headed by the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Chen Zuo'er, will arrive in Shenzhen tonight in preparation for a meeting with the SARG officials to be held at 10 am tomorrow (Wednesday). The meeting will study actively the possible services to be provided by the Huangtian Airport.

The delegation from the SARG, led by the Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Stephen Ip, will include officials from concerned government departments.

The Chief Executive said," On behalf of the SARG and the Hong Kong people, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Central Government for its concern and support. I believe that with the assistance of the Central Government, the air cargo shipment problems faced by our importers and exporters will be greatly relieved."

"The swift response from the Central Government has demonstrated that Hong Kong enjoys a new advantage under the principle of 'One Country, two systems'," he added.

End/Tuesday, July 14, 1998

NNNN