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Speech by PSL at 7th International Congress on Work Injuries Prevention, Rehabilitation and Compensation (English only)
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    Following is a speech by the Permanent Secretary for Economic Development and Labour (Labour), Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at the 7th International Congress on Work Injuries Prevention, Rehabilitation and Compensation and the Tsuen Wan Safe Community Designation Ceremony today (June 27):

Dr Ng, Mr Harberts, Mr Adler, Mr Chau, Mrs Lau, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     It gives me great pleasure to join you here this evening at the Congress Dinner of the 7th International Congress on Work Injuries Prevention, Rehabilitation and Compensation and the Tsuen Wan Safe Community Designation Ceremony.  

     Hong Kong is a place with limited natural resources, yet we have established ourselves as one of the thriving economies in the world. Indeed, for the 12th year in a row, Hong Kong has been named the freest economy in the world by the US Heritage Foundation. The Fraser Institute in Canada also ranks Hong Kong as the world's freest economy. What is more, in its World Competitiveness Yearbook 2006, the International Institute for Management Development based in Switzerland continues to rank Hong Kong as the second most competitive economy in the world league table, just after the United States. We are proud to say that it is the people of Hong Kong who have made this happen. Manpower is our most valuable asset. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is fully committed to protecting the occupational safety and health of its workforce as well as providing Hong Kong people with a safe and decent place to live, learn, work and enjoy life.

     Hong Kong is honoured to play host to the 7th International Congress on Work Injuries Prevention, Rehabilitation and Compensation. This Congress has brought together occupational safety and health experts and professionals from different parts of the world and provides a valuable platform for the sharing and cross-fertilisation of expertise and experience. I am sure that we can all benefit from this Congress, which will help us rise to the challenge of improving our safety performance.  

     Whilst a safe workplace can enhance the productivity and morale of our workforce, we also believe that a safe and healthy life-style can improve our quality of life. We subscribe to the World Health Organization's belief that all people are entitled to safety and health at home, at school, at work and during leisure activities - this is a premise underpinning the Safe Community Programme. The Safe Community Programme pulls together community efforts to achieve this common objective. We should work together to build a supportive community that cares about the well-being of all our residents.

     Tonight is particularly important for our Tsuen Wan residents. In a short while, we shall be witnessing the World Health Organization conferring the status of "Designated Safe Community" on Tsuen Wan. We all take pride in this achievement and are grateful for the joint efforts and commitment of all parties involved in making Tsuen Wan a safe and caring community. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Tsuen Wan District Council, the Yuen Yuen Institute and the Tsuen Wan District Office for taking the lead in implementing the Safe Community Programme. Since its establishment in 2002, the Tsuen Wan Safe and Healthy community Steering Committee and various supporting organisations have done a lot to promote safety in Tsuen Wan.

     Let me also commend the Occupational Safety and Health Council. As an Affiliate Safe Community Support Centre of the World Health Organization, the Council has, over the years, been actively promoting the "Safe Community" concept to various local communities. It has succeeded in helping them translate the concept into practice.

     Finally, I wish the 7th International Congress on Work Injuries Prevention, Rehabilitation and Compensation, and the World Health Organization's Safe Community Programme every success. I would also like to extend again my warmest welcome to all our overseas guests who have come a long way from all over the world to Hong Kong to support this meaningful event and worthy cause, despite the huge distractions of the more exciting World Cup tournament in Germany. May I wish you all a pleasant and memorable stay in Hong Kong.  

     Thank you very much.

Ends/Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:00

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