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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today began a series of meetings and activities with people from all walks of life to hear their views on his 2005 Policy Address.

And the first people Mr Tung met this afternoon (January 14) were the chairmen and vice-chairmen of 18 District Councils.

"The Government attaches great importance to the work of District Councils. We will review the functions of District Councils this year and will enhance support for them," Mr Tung told the chairmen and vice-chairmen.

He reiterated that the Government would maintain efforts to uphold the vision of people-based governance.

The Chief Executive will listen to the views of citizens and various sectors of the community through various channels in the next three weeks with a view to better implement the measures outlined in the Policy Address. He will meet citizens, political groups, the social welfare sector, the labour sector, local deputies to the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the cultural and creative industries' sector, environmental protection groups, the business sector, the sports sector and civil servants.

Ends/Friday, January 14, 2005

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