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The Hong Kong SAR Government attached utmost importance to its responsibility for ensuring the safety of air travel and would continue to be an active participant in the international community in this regard, the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, said today (March 3).
Mr Lee made this pledge at the opening of the International Aviation Security Conference 2009.
He noted that the highest standard of services at the Hong Kong International Airport had been well recognised by international travellers, as the airport was voted the best airport in the world in the annual Skytrax survey for the seventh time in eight years.
ˇ§The outstanding performance is a result of concerted efforts by the Civil Aviation Department, Airport Authority, Aviation Security Company Limited (AVSECO), various law enforcement agencies in Hong Kong and our industry partners. We will continue to keep up the good work to meet the changing demands and the rising challenges,ˇ¨ he said.
Mr Lee noted that the global financial turmoil was a heavy blow to the aviation industry, and that with the drop in air traffic figures, it was not uncommon that companies had kept a tight rein on operating costs.
ˇ§However, I am sure you would all agree that aviation security should never be compromised,ˇ¨ he told the participants at the conference.
ˇ§At the end of the day, enhanced security will pay off. It will help prevent and minimise loss of life and property due to sabotage or any other acts of unlawful interference, and thereby facilitate business revival and economic development.ˇ¨
The three-day conference was jointly organised by AVSECO, Certis-CISCO and Emirates.
Ends/Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Issued at HKT 12:10
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