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The following is a transcript of the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Henry Tang, speaking to the media after visiting the Super Cyber Centre today (March 4):

Reporter: I understand that the Government is planning to close some trade offices overseas. Is there any truth in it and if so, what is the reason for it?

SCIT: I don't know where you understand that the Government has plans to close overseas trade offices. Our Economic and Trade Offices overseas have served very useful purpose of promoting and protecting our economic interests. They also together with Invest Hong Kong have attracted investments to Hong Kong. They are invaluable parts of the Hong Kong SAR's overall efforts of promoting and protecting our trade and economic interests. So therefore we do not have any plan to close office for the time being.

Reporter: Mr Tang, they are always talking about Hong Kong lacks IT professionals and all that. At what stage are we at in bringing IT professionals from the Mainland or from other places?

SCIT: I actually don't think that we really lack IT professionals. Actually IT professionals in Hong Kong are of very high quality and they are very good in application software and total solution providers. So as far as talents from the Mainland are concerned, in the Population Policy that was announced by the Chief Secretary last week, he clearly articulated the policy objective that we wish to see more talents into Hong Kong. This is a very important point because in the 21st century, I think it is a race for talents. Whoever wins the race for talents will be able to create jobs as well as to create economic gains. So therefore as far as Hong Kong is concerned, we are a very attractive place for talents to come here. We have a low and simple taxation system, transparency and the rule of law. So I think we have a lot of advantages to attract talents from all over the world to come to Hong Kong as we have done in the past and we will continue to do so.

Reporter: Now any more taxes are going to be raised in the budget speech tomorrow?

SCIT: But I think we are still significantly lower than where you are from.

Reporter: Where am I from?

SCIT: You are from another country in Asia which I think we probably have a lower taxation rate than you do.

(Please also refer to the Chinese part.)

END/Tuesday, March 4, 2003

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