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Follows is a transcript of remarks (English part) by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, to reporters today (October 18) in Shanghai:

Q: (Brian Curtis, RTHK): In regards to your meeting this morning with the President I'm just curious whether or not, if I can make reference to your speech [at the CEO Summit] whether he said that you were a good captain in stormy seas and also, did he make any comments to you on the issue that is on everyone's mind and that is the fight against terrorism?

Mr Tung: Of course, we spoke generally about terrorism and about how terrible this is for the whole world and how important it is for all of us to work together.

About your first question, the Central Government has always been very, very supportive of my work and the work of the government. And they always have very high regard for what we have done in very difficult times.

Q: (ATV): Did he propose anything concrete to help Hong Kong out of its current economic doldrums?

Mr Tung: As I said earlier on, we discussed about areas that we can work together that create a win-win situation.

And you know the central leadership is obviously right on top of what is happening in Hong Kong, they understand what is happening. And especially in the adverse environment as we are in today, any form of working together that creates a win-win situation will be very, very good.

I just want to tell you in the areas of tourism, for instance in the areas of co-operation between Guangdong and Hong Kong to fight against environmental pollution issues, these are ample demonstrations of how we can come together and work together. And we have been evaluating what more can be done and in the months ahead we will be looking at these things and consulting with the Central Government and if there are areas where we can work together we will try to work together.

Ends/Thursday, October 18, 2001

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