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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (October 12) announced the appointment of Mrs Laura Cha and Mr Bernard Chan to the Executive Council (ExCo).

In welcoming the new members, Mr Tung expressed confidence that they would bring to the council professional advice and opinion of different sectors of the community, and that the council's decision would benefit the development of Hong Kong more and be in line with public interest.

Mr Tung said Mrs Cha had a legal background and had worked for a long time in the financial and securities sector, including serving in key posts both in Hong Kong and the Central Government's securities regulatory bodies.

"She has a good knowledge of the industry and she understands very well, not just the local and regional industry, but also internationally, the financial markets. With her wealth of knowledge, I am quite sure she will be a very valuable addition to ExCo.

"Mr Chan is from the Insurance Functional Constituency and he has worked very hard in Legislative Council. He has also made a tremendous contribution to the community in other different areas. For instance he is Chairperson of Hong Kong Council of Social Service, and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Disciplined Services Salaries and Conditions of Service. All these have demonstrated his commitment to and passion for Hong Kong."

Ends/Tuesday, October 12, 2004

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