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Following is the transcript of a media stand-up session (English part) by the Financial Secretary, Mr Antony Leung, after attending the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce 8th Annual Hong Kong Business Summit today (December 13):

Reporter : (about why it is necessary for the Chief Executive to have further discussions with the very senior officials of the Central Government on the Free Trade Area)

Financial Secretary : Because I believe the Central Government, the very senior officials, would have to make a decision whether we should move forward on a certain line of direction first, before we actually can work on the details. I believe it's just appropriate for C.H. (the Chief Executive) to work with the Central Government.

Reporter :Who are the senior officials ?

Financial Secretary : I think we'll release the details after progress is made.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

End/Thursday, December 13, 2001)

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