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Following is the speech by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lam Woon-kwong, at the Ceremony to Mark the Extension of PayThruPost Service to Accept Government Bills today (October 3):

Mr Luk, distinguished guests and friends from the media,

It gives me great pleasure to join you at today's ceremony to mark the extension of PayThruPost Service to accept government bills.

For 160 years Hongkong Post has been serving the community with dedication in providing reliable, efficient and universal postal services. In order to keep pace with the ever-changing world and the changing needs of its customers, many projects for better services are put through and PayThruPost service is one of the highlights for the year.

The PayThruPost service was first launched in April 2000. I believe that many who patronized the service already enjoyed the convenience of making bill payment at a post office in close proximity. After conclusion of today's ceremony, in addition to electricity, gas and utilities bills, one can go to post offices to settle government bills which used to be paid at the Sub-Treasuries and the Collection and Payment Offices at the New Territories District Offices. The extension of PayThruPost service has actually offered us a hassle-free way of making bill payment.

Hongkong Post has provided us with services closely connected to our daily lives. Besides conventional postal services and PayThruPost service, we also have Speedpost service, the express mail service which reaches almost every corners of the globe. Philatelists have Local Standing Order Service to facilitate their collection of stamp products and parties involved in e-commerce have e-Cert service to secure on-line transactions. Post offices, therefore, have virtually become the convenient stores in the community.

Hongkong Post always responds proactively and excels in development, mirroring the traits of the people of Hong Kong. With their strong striving to meet changing needs and the determination to provide innovative services, I trust that Hongkong Post will keep up with their good work and provide us with excellent and diversified services. I wish Hongkong post every success in the years to come.

Thank you.

End/Wednesday, October 3, 2001

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