****************
Following is the transcript of remarks on issues relating to professional services under CEPA made by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the lobby of the Central Government Offices (Main Wing) this afternoon (November 21):
CE: As you know, professional services are one of Hong Kong's many competitive advantages. The CEPA signed between the Central Government and Hong Kong has made certain arrangements and created conditions for professionals to practise and expand their businesses in the Mainland.
In the past few months, we have been very actively involved in this area. In mid-September, the SAR Government organised a group of professionals to Beijing to discuss with relevant authorities as to how we move this forward. I am happy to tell you that the Securities and Futures Commission will soon, in fact next week, sign an agreement with the China Securities Regulatory Commission to enable Hong Kong securities and futures professionals to obtain qualifications in the Mainland and to facilitate them to practise there.
To better promote the cause of Hong Kong professionals in the Mainland, with the agreement of the Central Government, we have managed to place a discussion of formal recognition of different professional qualifications on the agenda of the mid-December meeting of the CEPA Joint Steering Committee. We believe such recognition will help Hong Kong professionals to obtain qualifications more quickly and increase their opportunities to participate in activities in the Mainland. This will also enhance Hong Kong's status as a support centre for commerce and industry.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
End/Friday, November 21, 2003
NNNN
