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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, said today (Thursday) that while pushing ahead with various developments, the Government will also ensure that our environmental protection efforts are up to world standard.

"Environmental protection is one of our top priorities this year. A pleasant environment will provide a better and healthier quality of life for local people and attract highly-skilled professionals to stay and work here," he said.

The Chief Executive said this during a meeting with representatives of the Hong Kong Progressive Alliance (HKPA). He also exchanged views with HKPA members on other issues of concern to them.

On civil service efficiency, Mr Tung reiterated that Government departments would firmly implement the Enhanced Productivity Programme.

"We will ensure that resources are appropriately deployed and will constantly review and improve the quality of our services," he said.

"The civil service will respond positively to our challenges. We will not accept any deterioration in our level of service to the community. The civil service will come to pride itself on being lean and fit, while attaining high standards of productivity."

Turning to the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature, Mr Tung stressed that the Government was working towards developing a relationship of mutual trust and respect with the Legislature.

"Through constructive exchanges and dialogue, the Executive and the Legislature will be able to work hand in hand for the long-term interest of Hong Kong people," he said.

The Chief Executive and HKPA members also talked about the monitoring of the financial markets. Mr Tung said that experience had shown us how important it was to coordinate more effectively surveillance and regulation across all sectors of the financial services market.

"The financial services sector had made enormous contribution to our economic development. A good surveillance system and high-calibre personnel are the key to consolidating Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre," he said.

End/Thursday, January 7, 1999

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