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    Following is the transcript of the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr John Tsang, speaking to the media after addressing the opening ceremony of a seminar organised by Ming Pao and Commercial Radio today (March 21):

Reporter: ... how many jobs do you expect CEPA will create ...

SCIT: It's very difficult to estimate exactly how many jobs it will create. We have been anticipating that it will create some jobs in that. We would not be able to give a clear and accurate figure at this stage. We have only done estimates for six areas. But by the end of the first quarter or so, we would have more accurate figures. We hope by that time we will be able to provide you with more accurate figures.

Reporter: Can you tell us the estimates for the six sectors that you have mentioned?

SCIT: I think I have mentioned that there were 7,200 newly created jobs.  

Reporter: ... what sectors do these jobs come from?

SCIT: They cover quite a wide range of sectors from retail, transportation and so forth. So, it is quite a broad range of jobs. It is not limited to one or two specific areas.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Monday, March 21, 2005

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