********************************

Following is the speech given by the Postmaster General, Mr. P C Luk, at the "Centenary of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce" special stamps issuing ceremony today (October 22):

Good afternoon Dr. FOK, Mrs. CHAN, Mr. Chairman, vice-chairmen, ladies and gentlemen,

Hongkong Post is so honoured to join the General Chamber of Commerce Centenary Carnival and officiate today with you at the issuing ceremony of the General Chamber of Commerce special stamps.

Four major events of the Chamber are depicted in this set of four stamps issued today, viz. the establishment of the Chamber in 1900, relocation of the head office, distribution of relief funds and provisions to victims and the growth of the Chamber marked by the change of mode of business, that is, from the use of abacus to the application of high technology. From these stamps, we witness achievements of the Chamber in fostering commercial development as well as charitable activities. This valuable philatelic collection is, therefore, particularly meaningful to many of us.

Very much like the Chamber, Hongkong Post thrives to develop new products and services to meet the changing needs of the business sector. The Public Key Infrastructure and public certification authority service, for instance, is our first endeavour made as we enter the new millennium. We hope by launching these initiatives, we can support the government in fulfilling its commitment to promote the use of information technology and foster an environment conducive to e-commerce in Hong Kong. Indeed, we look forward to go hand in hand with different sectors in the community for a better future for Hong Kong.

Last but not the least, I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Centenary Carnival every success.

Thank you.

End/Sunday, October 22, 2000

NNNN