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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of the Honourable Henry Fok Ying-tung, GBM, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee in Beijing yesterday (October 28).
"The passing away of Mr Fok is a sad loss to the country and to Hong Kong", Mr Tsang said. "On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I extend my deepest condolences to Mr Fok's family."
Mr Fok had worked with singular devotion on the opening up of China's economy as well as for the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, Mr Tsang said.
In the run-up to the reunification, Mr Fok took up a number of important positions, including member of the Basic Law Drafting Committee, Advisor on Hong Kong Affairs, Vice Chairman of the Preliminary Working Committee for the Preparatory Committee of the HKSAR and Vice Chairman of the Preparatory Committee of the HKSAR.
Mr Fok had made notable contribution to the development of industries in Hong Kong. Mr Fok was also extensively involved in charitable and community work and the development of sports both in Hong Kong and the Mainland.
Mr Fok was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 1997 by the HKSAR Government.
"We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his invaluable contribution to Hong Kong's reunification with the motherland," the Chief Executive said. "He will be dearly missed by his family and friends."
Ends/Sunday, October 29, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:24
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