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Following are the remarks (English portion) by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau, at the press conference at the Central Government Offices New Annex, today (July 12):
I am very honoured and grateful to the Chief Executive for nominating me to the Central People¡¦s Government for appointment as the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. With this honour comes greater responsibility. In the past year, I have had the privilege of working in close partnership with Mr Fred Ma. It has been a rewarding and enjoyable experience for me. I wish Mr Ma good health and that he will have all the leisure time to enjoy and pursue his interests.
On assumption of my new office, I intend to quickly meet with colleagues in the bureau and departments and get into gear for my work. I pledge that I will honestly, selflessly and loyally apply myself to my duties and undertake to serve and assist the Chief Executive to serve the people and the best interests of Hong Kong. I will also seek to maintain contact and collaboration with all sectors of the community, and together work to promote business, commerce, innovation technology and thrive for the economic development of Hong Kong. Thank you.
Reporter: Considering your deputy, Greg So, was appointed under controversial circumstances, do you have confidence in the system or the process of his appointment? And do you think his appointment and the way it was done may make it harder for you to function in your new role?
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: Thank you for the question. I believe and I am in support of the Chief Executive¡¦s blueprint of expanding the political appointees. We do need new talent. We do need new blood to help the Government to administer policies, to formulate policies, which are in the best interest of Hong Kong. So it is to me a plus that I have Mr Greg So in the bureau helping out as the Under Secretary, and also taking up some of the work that otherwise would have to be done solely by one person. And with very clear division of responsibility, I believe that the Civil Service will give its full support to Mr So as it would to any policy secretaries.
Reporter: Would you regard it as a disadvantage not having the same business background as Mr Ma in your new capacity, with some saying that you might be more conservative with 30 odd years being a civil servant?
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: Thank you for the question. Obviously, when anyone who is going to take up a new position, one has to learn the job. And throughout my 30-odd years, I have been posted to various departments and bureaux, and I believe I have the versatility to quickly get to learn the subject, learn my ropes and be very willing to listen and to come into contact with people in the field, and I believe the communications and the advice I will be getting through that process will be very beneficial to my work in my new capacity as the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. Thank you very much.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, July 12, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:31
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