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Following is the speech by the Postmaster General, Mr Tam Wing-pong, at the "Special Attractions of the 18 Districts in Hong Kong" Special Stamps Issuing Ceremony today (July 18):
Mrs Tan, chairmen and representatives of the 18 district councils, distinguished guests and friends from the media,
Good morning and welcome to the issuing ceremony of "Special Attractions of the 18 Districts in Hong Kong" special stamps. I would like to thank Mrs Pamela Tan, Director of Home Affairs, and chairmen and representatives of the 18 district councils for finding time to officiate at today's ceremony, as I am aware that they have a busy schedule of events.
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The release today shows the features of the 18 administrative districts of Hong Kong. Despite its small size, Hong Kong exudes charm in each of its districts -- be it trendy hot spots or historical architecture, they can both be found in this city. It's the same with these tiny stamps. They not only carry monetary value for postage prepayment but also reflect the social and cultural states of a place at a particular point of time. Different stamp issues cover different topics and carry the messages wide and far. Take this for example. It shows the world how varied and unique each of the 18 districts in Hong Kong is.
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Hong Kong is the place where East and West meet, technology and tradition blend. To illustrate such a melting pot, a number of objects are featured on a coloured background, achieving the effect of mirror images of a kaleidoscope. Each of the 18 stamps portrays three different elements of its own particular district. Be it as contemporary as state-of-the-art skyscrapers or trendy shopping spots, or as distinctively unique as a natural landscape or fishing village, all can be found in the territory and captured on the stamps. In a nutshell, the 54 chosen elements bring out the multifarious facets of Hong Kong's everyday life, giving a crystal reflection of the territory as a global metropolis.
I hope the new stamp issue can draw the public closer to their home town and get them to understand more about the district where they live and work. I also hope that these stamps will give overseas tourists a glimpse of Hong Kong's versatility that no ordinary map can show and arouse their interest in an in-depth exploration of the territory.
Throughout the years, we have been committed to reliable delivery service to the community. With more than 100 postal outlets and a team of 2,000-odd delivery postmen, we succeed in establishing a trusting and friendly relationship with people from every walk of life in all districts. As we value such closeness to customers and we believe that lasting customer relations builds over time, we make sure that our staff stay to serve in the same neighbourhood as long as possible.
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It is no exaggeration that we are familiar with all neighbourhoods throughout the territory and we witness all their changes and development. Bearing our culture of Care From the Heart in mind, I am here, on behalf of Hongkong Post, to assure you that we will be even more committed to better service for the community in the years to come.
Lastly I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Home Affairs Department and the 18 district councils. I am obliged to say that today's stamp issue would not have been successfully released without your support and valuable opinions.
Thank you.
Ends/Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:08
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