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Following is the English portion of the transcript of the media session by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, at the Central Government Offices, this evening (Thursday):

Mrs Chan : I hope you all have an opportunity to digest the Policy Address. And I would like to make a few points. First of all, we believe that the Policy Address outlines a pragmatic way forward, both in the short run and in the long run. There are no gimmicks, no empty promises. It clearly demonstrates the Chief Executive's determination to lead Hong Kong in positioning itself for the 21st century. We are, as you will see, not merely responding.

The Chief Executive has taken a forward look to enhance our economic fundamentals, to improve the quality of our workforce, to strengthen our competitiveness, and to provide a favourable business and living environment.

We believe that every Hong Kong resident, rich or poor, will benefit from these measures, e.g. clearly everyone will benefit from clean air and clean water. A good environment will also attract tourists, foreign investment and the best talent to Hong Kong. These will create new business opportunities and employment, and therefore, Hong Kong as a whole will gain.

The Chief Executive has also reaffirmed Hong Kong's fundamental philosophy, i.e. our adherence to positive non-intervention, free market and fair competition. The world is changing fast around us and we need to act together swiftly and decisively to help our economy transform, our role is to support and facilitate but not to direct or to pick winners.

I am very glad to note the results of a poll conducted by the Hong Kong University that the Policy Address has the majority support of the public. My colleagues and I will support the Chief Executive fully in pushing through all the initiatives in the Policy Address. I'll take a few questions.

Reporter: In the Q&A session today at the Legislature, the CE advised the Democrats if they wanted to have better relations with China, perhaps they could improve their performance and take some steps. What sort of steps would lead to this kind of better and improved relations?

Mrs Chan: I acknowledge that members of the Democratic Party have a representative role since they have been clearly elected by the people of Hong Kong. The Chief Executive has also indicated that personally he would very much like to see improved communication and contact between members of the Democratic Party and officials and people at all levels in the Central Government. As you know he continues his effort on this front and he has already indicated that he will continue this effort.

Reporter: I want to go back to the question because it was very clear that Mr Tung put the burden on the Democrats for them to take steps to improve their performance. It sounds that if there is a call for self-criticism in some way. What exactly should they do in your view?

Mrs Chan: I am sure that the Chief Executive does not mean to imply that there ought to be self-criticism. Improving relationship by common definition is a two-way thing.

Transcript of media session by Chief Secretary for Administration (Chinese Part)

End/Thursday, October 7, 1999

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