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Following is the transcript of a stand-up briefing by the Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, after the opening ceremony of Hong Kong Gifts & Houseware Fair '99 and Hong Kong Premium Show '99 today (Monday):

Reporter: How optimistic are you that China will enter the World Trade Organisation, and how will it affect Hong Kong?

Financial Secretary: I am optimistic as everybody has been optimistic. Clearly there has been progress in the talk between the two big nations, China and the United States. The United States of course is a linchpin in determining the accession of China to the WTO. They have made progress in agriculture and other areas as well, particularly on tariffs. I think there is a good chance of China becoming a member.

End/Monday, April 12, 1999

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Financial Secretary's transcript (Chinese part)