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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (Saturday) met with representatives of small and medium enterprises, import and export trade, and freight forwarding agents to have first-hand knowledge of their concern arising from the cargo handling problems at the new airport.

The group included representatives from the freight forwarding agents, importers and exporters, garment manufacturers, watch makers, computer operators and florists.

Attending the meeting were Secretary for Trade and Industry, Mr T.H. Chau and Director-General of Industry, Mr Francis Ho. The Chief Executive asked them to study actively the problems faced by the industry.

Earlier this morning, the Chief Executive also met with eight representatives of the Liberal Party. They exchanged views on the application of funds for the "Home Starter Loan Scheme (HSLS)".

Mr Tung said, "In order to help an additional 6 000 eligible families to purchase their first homes under the HSLS, we applied for funding approval by the Legislative Council.

"The Administration announced a package of relief measures to boost the economy on June 22. Increasing the quota under HSLS is one of the measures seeking to stabilise property prices.

"I deeply sympathise with those who cannot afford the down-payments for their new flats due to the changing market situation. The objective of the HSLS, however, is to help eligible family to buy their first home," Mr Tung noted.

The Chief Executive also exchanged views with representatives of the Liberal Party on Hong Kong's economic outlook.

Mr Tung said, "We have been closely monitoring the development of the external markets and its implications on Hong Kong. The relief package introduced last month are timely measures to boost our economy."

"I look forward to listening to views of different political parties and the community at large," he said.

"In introducing new measures, the Government is mindful of the need to promote the long term economic stability of Hong Kong and look after the interest of all sectors of the community," he said.

End/Saturday, July 18, 1998

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