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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Henry Tang, at the Central Government Offices (West Wing) this afternoon (August 13) on the proposed provision of assistance to the typhoon victims in Taiwan (English portion):
On behalf of Hong Kong, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the people of Taiwan for the disaster that has befallen them. The rescue teams in Taiwan have been making valiant efforts to provide relief to the people. Those who have been cut off in isolated places are being taken to places of safety and we hope that their plight can come to an end as soon as possible.
The Hong Kong SAR Government has enquired with the Chung Hwa Travel Service regarding the assistance that Hong Kong can extend. Judging from the situation in Taiwan, we will recommend that a donation of $50 million be allocated as a contribution to the relief and rehabilitation work.
The Administration has put forward a request to the Chairman of the Finance Committee that an urgent meeting be convened to examine our application. I am most grateful that the Chairman has agreed to convene a meeting as soon as possible.
If the Finance Committee supports our funding request, we will, as soon as possible, seek the advice of the Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee to allocate the grant to the Taiwanese authorities through the Chung Hwa Travel Service for the provision of timely assistance to the typhoon victims in Taiwan.
Reporter: (inaudible)
Acting Chief Executive: We feel that because we would like to do it in an efficient and effective manner, we have liaised with the Taiwanese side and come to the conclusion, through enquiries with them, that the Chung Hwa Travel Service is the most appropriate channel
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript of remarks.)
Ends/Thursday, August 13, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:45
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