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Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) at a media session by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, on the 2010-11 Budget at the Legislative Council Building this afternoon (February 24):
Chief Secretary for Administration: The Financial Secretary has just announced the 2010-11 Budget. This is a caring, pragmatic and proactive Budget.
It responds positively to public appeals for improving people's livelihood. Through a series of concrete improvement and relief measures, it renders support and assistance to those in need at this early stage of economic recovery.
It is also pragmatic and proactive by taking steps to prevent the risk of an asset bubble and put our economic recovery on solid ground, while observing the principles of prudent financial management and "small government, big market".
Apart from short-term relief measures, the Budget also commits substantial investment in education, healthcare, environmental protection, research and development, economic infrastructure, arts, culture and sports. These initiatives will help improve our human resources and enhance social mobility to serve Hong Kong's long-term interests.
I urge LegCo members and the general public to support this Budget.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:56
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