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Following is a speech by the Postmaster General, Mr Allan Chiang, at "Year of the Dog" special stamps Issuing Ceremony today (January 15):
Mr Ip, distinguished guests and friends from the media,
Good morning,
Welcome to the issuing ceremony of "Year of the Dog" special stamps. I would like to first extend my thanks to Mr Stephen Ip, Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, for officiating at this ceremony. I am also grateful to the little dancers for performing such a fascinating and vivid "Puppy Dance" for us.
As Chinese New year is just round the corner, we are now biding farewell to the Rooster and looking forward to the Dog of the Chinese zodiac. In the eyes of most people, dogs are honest and truthful. They are bright and possess very sharp sense. These are the qualities which are indispensable to success in a world of competition and social interaction. With sharp business acumen, Hongkong Post is able to face challenges without hassle, to keep up with the ever-changing market and customers' needs, to actively explore business opportunities and to provide the general public and business customers with professional, reliable and ever-improving services.
Apart from these, we are committed to be a caring organisation – care for staff, for customers and for the community. Our staff are not only good to their families, colleagues and customers, but also to the less privileged in our society. They dedicate their spare time taking part in volunteer and charity work. It is no wonder that we are recognised as a caring organisation by The Hong Kong Council of Social Service. To help build a harmonious society, I am here, on behalf of Hongkong Post, to give our word that we are determined to turn ourselves into a more caring organisation in the years to come.
Chinese New Year is a time of sending gifts to families and friends with blessings. May I take this opportunity to promote our ShopThruPost, an online shopping mall for your festive shopping. Surfing around there, you will find an array of exquisite items and New Year gift sets available for order. And for the first time, traditional Japanese delicacies from Japan are included in the product list of ShopThruPost as they are the favourites of many local people and Japanese living in Hong Kong. For gifts sending to business partners, relatives and friends in the Mainland, our Hong Kong/Mainland Gift Fulfillment Service should be your best choice for the coverage is as extensive as over 2000 Mainland cities. I believe that with our diversity of services, Hongkong Post can surely help you in "linking people, delivering business".
Let's now turn to the rollout today. As the 7th stamp issue in the 3rd series of Lunar New Year special stamps released by us, this set of "Year of the Dog" special stamps comprises 4 stamps, each depicting a vivid and lifelike image of a dog standing out from the richly coloured background. While it is definitely a valuable item in your collection, this set of stamps also makes a thoughtful gift that conveys your love and blessings to your loved one in this festive season.
Lastly, may I wish you all every success in the Year of the Dog.
Thank you!
Ends/Sunday, January 15, 2006
Issued at HKT 12:47
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