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

The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (Monday) said that the Government will continue to strengthen its communication with Legislative Councillors and listen to public views to ensure that its policies will be in the best interest of the public.

The Chief Executive today met with representatives from several political parties to exchange views with them on a number of policy issues, including the newly launched Special Finance Scheme for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), education and the Review of District Organisations.

Mr Tung said that the Government would take an active approach in improving Hong Kong's competitiveness so as to keep pace with the changing economic environment and to expedite a full recovery of the economy.

The Special Finance Scheme for SMEs was aimed at helping SMEs to cope with their liquidity problem so as to facilitate the development of their businesses. As at September 10, nine applications had been approved involving loans amounting to $23 million.

The Chief Executive said that the Government would monitor closely the progress of the scheme and would review the situation as necessary.

Turning to education, Mr Tung pointed out that support for education was the key to maintaining economic growth.

"The Government will provide resources, strengthen manpower training and enhance the quality of education to upgrade the quality of our work force to meet future economic challenges," he said.

At the meeting, some Members raised the issue of the recent review of District Organisations conducted by the Government. The Chief Executive said that from the public submissions received, there was a clear support for the Government to assume direct responsibility for food safety and environmental hygiene.

This was confirmed by the results of a number of independent public opinion surveys conducted by the media and universities with an approval rate ranging from some 50 per cent to over 60 per cent.

"To take matters forward, we have commissioned a consultancy study on food safety and environmental services, with a view to improving efficiency and policy coordination in food and environmental hygiene," Mr Tung said.

End/Monday, September 14, 1998

NNNN