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

Following is the speech by Postmaster General, Mr Luk Ping-chuen, today (January 1) at the "Year of the Snake" Special Stamps issuing ceremony:

Mr Lam, distinguished guests and friends from the media,

On the very first day of the 21st century, I wish you all every success in the New Year.

I would like to extend our special thanks to Mr. W. K. LAM, Secretary for Home Affairs, for officiating today's ceremony.

In celebration of the Chinese New Year, we issue today the "Year of the Snake" special stamps, the second set in the series. Set in the same style as "Year of the Dragon" special stamps issued last year, "Year of the Snake" special stamps applied Chinese paper cutting with a new perspective to the portrayal of the vibrant snake. This set of stamps will surely add glamour to the collection of philatelists.

In the advent to the 21st century, Hongkong Post will issue more stamps with even greater innovation. Apart from the first hologram stamp sheetlet issued yesterday, we will issue the first Personal Greeting Stamps on 1 February. A mini-pane with personalized photos will be available at the Hong Kong 2001 Stamp Exhibition held between 1 and 5 February at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Visitors can take photos at the booth and have their portraits printed on Personal Greeting Stamps. Our issuing schedule this year includes the first set of embossed stamps on the theme of "Water Supply in Hong Kong", followed by the first-ever scented stamp on "Hong Kong Tea Culture" and the world's first colouring-in "Children Stamps". We hope these novel designs will bring more fun and enjoyment for philatelists and the public at large.

We wish you all the best in the Year of the Snake.

Thank you.

End/Monday, January 1, 2001

NNNN