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Following is the full text of the speech (English only) delivered by the Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, at the Eco-Business Award Presentation Ceremony today (Tuesday):

Mr (Ronnie) Wong, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to be here today to officiate at the inaugural Eco-business Awards Presentation Ceremony.

It is also fitting, given the emphasis placed on the environment by the Chief Executive, that my maiden speech of the new millennium should be devoted to the twin theme of business helping the environment and the environment helping business.

There is undoubtedly a great deal of self-interest involved for companies to take part in this award scheme. That is not a criticism. As Financial Secretary, and in other posts I have held over the years, I have learnt that the best way to sustain motivation is to appeal to self-interest. Where that self-interest coincides with community interest you have a recipe for success. I'm going to let you know my secret recipe. But don't forget, it is essential to use good quality, fresh ingredients -

Take one small or medium sized business.

Trim off excess fat. Put it to one side as it might come in useful later.

Add the following ingredients -

* a handful of highly motivated staff;

* environmental training to taste;

* a healthy dose of top management support;

* top up with clean water.

Remember to use only as much as you need. That way you will not waste anything. Mix together gently, until you get the right consistency, using no more energy than absolutely necessary. If you beat it too vigorously, it will likely go flat.

* Place the mixture in natural sunlight and allow to rise.

* Pre-heat oven, using off-peak electricity, and place the mixture inside. Before long you will see an attractive, healthy business with queues of customers.

That is one recipe. It might not be to your taste, but don't worry, there are recipes to suit all customers.

The serious point I am trying to make is that each and every business has good business reasons why it can benefit from being environmentally conscious. Those of you present today know that far better than I do. For example -

* using energy efficient equipment saves energy;

* reducing consumption of other resources such as water saves both water and sewage charges; and

* minimising waste products cuts down on disposal and treatment charges.

All these make good economic sense when it comes to budgeting for the operation and production costs.

And of course you have to respond to the aspirations of your customers or clients who are becoming more and more environmental conscious. It is clear that environmental awareness among clients, both corporate and retail, is not just a western phenomenon. Rising living standards in Asia are leading rapidly to higher expectations for a clean and healthy environment. Those companies that are prepared to embrace the environmental cause, like you, will be well placed to seize the opportunities for sustainable development both here in Hong Kong, and in the region. I wish you luck and every success. Those who are not environmentally prepared will risk being left behind and excluded in the future.

I am delighted to see so many companies participating in this competition. I know that the judging panel has had a difficult task in selecting the winners since many entrants have demonstrated excellent performance, ingenuity and enthusiasm.

I am also especially pleased to see the considerable interest in the Wastewi$e Scheme, which was launched last year to help participating businesses to reduce waste. I look forward to seeing the Wastewi$e logo on more letterheads from now on.

I congratulate you all for participating, especially the well-deserved winners. I would also like to thank the organisers and the judging panel for all your hard work. Your efforts have helped tremendously in promoting the message of eco-business.

Thank you.

End/Tuesday, January 4, 2000

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