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Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C. Tsang, at a media session after attending the first regional consultation forum on 2008-2009 Budget:
Reporter: How strong is the demand for tax concession or other relief measures and what are the difficulties of meeting these aspirations of the public?
Financial Secretary: There have been a lot of different expressions for tax concessions and for different assistance measures. We will consider all of that. We will look at all of that in the context of the next budget, find a proper balance, and see how we can help other people who are in real needs. That is what we are aiming at. We need to be pragmatic about it. Whatever measures we are doing, it needs to be sustainable. At the same time, it has to reflect our commitment to our people.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion.)
Ends/Friday, January 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:27
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