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Following is the speech by Acting Postmaster General, Mrs Joanna Choi at the issuing ceremony of the stamp sheetlet for HONG KONG 2004 Stamp Expo Tourism Series No. 5 : Shopping Fun

today (February 1):

Mr. Pescod, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

Welcome to the issuing ceremony of the fifth stamp sheetlet of the Tourism Series for HONG KONG 2004 Stamp Expo. Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city, Asia's world city and the hottest tourist spot in the region. Many tourists stop by just for the shopping and we are proud to say what a happy hunting ground it is, with everything from designer products to local brands, there is always something here to suit every budget.

In recognition of this contribution to Hong Kong Tourism, we have designed the fifth stamp sheetlet as "Shopping Fun". While we are on the subject, I must mention what Hongkong Post has to offer the avid shoppers of Hong Kong. We have 50 post offices selling exquisite souvenirs, such as crystal post boxes, miniature postal vehicles and of course our commemorative stamps. We have a one-stop service that brings you famous Australian wines and health foods through a hassle-free ordering and delivery service. We also issue E-certificates that enable you to order philatelic products online, or conduct other transactions securely and from the comfort of your own personal computer. The least enjoyable part of shopping has got to be carrying your purchases home, and the more bargains you have found the more stressful this becomes. Here, the Hongkong Post can help in more ways than anyone else. We have a variety of services to ease this. Our Speedpost and parcel services are the easiest way for visitors to send their purchases back home. And we have a new gift courier service between ourselves and the Guangdong Postal Bureau.

I hope that everyone of you, especially Mr. Pescod will have great fun shopping from our Expo Counters, which total over a hundred. Immerse yourselves in the world of stamps, philatelic products, banknotes and coins, and good luck in finding the most exciting items and best buys.

Ends/Sunday, February 1, 2004

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