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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, met with representatives from Friends of the Earth at his office this (Wednesday) evening and exchanged views with them on environmental protection work in Hong Kong.

Mr Tung stressed that environmental improvement was an essential part of the programme to prepare Hong Kong for the 21st century and was being given priority by the Administration.

Mr Tung said, "The Government will step up its efforts to protect the environment to enable our people to enjoy a better and healthier quality of life. We will develop new approaches and new partnerships with business, non-government organisations and community groups to bring about improvements in environmental quality."

The Waste Reduction Committee, which had its first meeting today, is an example. Friends of the Earth is represented on that Committee. The Chief Executive welcomed their skills and enthusiasm to help improve community education and trusted they would work effectively with others to benefit our environment.

End/Wednesday, February 10, 1999

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