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Following are the remarks (English portion) by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the press conference on the appointment of the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development at the Conference Hall, Central Government Offices New Annexe, today (July 12):
The Central Peopleˇ¦s Government has approved the appointment of Mrs Rita Lau as Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development on my nomination, to succeed Mr Frederick Ma who has resigned on medical grounds.
Mrs Lau is a senior member of the Administrative Service with extensive experience in public administration. She has performed remarkably well during more than 30 years of service in the Government. As Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development since last year, she possesses a considerable depth of knowledge about her policy areas.
Mrs Lau shares my governing philosophy. Her commitment to the nation, to Hong Kong, and to the community is unquestionable. I believe she is the best candidate for this position, and I welcome her to my team.
Given her excellent leadership and management abilities, I am confident that she can lead her Under Secretary and civil service team to help me accomplish my policy objectives.
To Mr Fred Ma, we are very grateful for his invaluable service as a member of the SAR Government team. Six years ago, he willingly gave up his successful private sector career to join the SAR Government as a Principal Official which is a clear demonstration of his commitment to Hong Kong and to our country.
During his service in the Government, he tackled and resolved many thorny issues in the areas of monetary and financial services, commerce and economic development. He displayed outstanding political skills and sound communication with various sectors of the community.
When Mr Ma announced his resignation, many people warmly praised his service, and were sorry to see him leave. That is sound and solid proof of the public recognition of his exemplary service.
I am sorry that Mr Ma has had to resign. I extend my personal thanks to him for his contribution to the public service. I hope he will be able to take a good rest and make a speedy recovery. Thank you.
Reporter: Could you please explain why you decided to choose another administrative officer to take the position instead of choosing, for example, the Under Secretary Greg So? Would you think it is more difficult to invite people from the private sector to join the government now?
Chief Executive: We have no difficulty in inviting people to join the Hong Kong Government, particularly joining my team. Mrs Rita Lau is the best candidate for this job at this point in time. And I believe that is unquestionable, giving her experience in the public service. She has particularly experience in the bureau in which she was assigned to work. Mr Greg So was appointed as Under Secretary. He is a very good candidate for that job. Iˇ¦m sure he will co-operate with the rest of the team, particularly working very well with Mrs Rita Lau to perform the task.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, July 12, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:49
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