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Following is a speech by the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, at the Welcome Cocktail Reception of the 19th Consumers International World Congress 2011 this evening (May 3):
President (Samuel) Ochieng, Ms (Helen) McCallum, Professor (the Honourable Anthony) Cheung, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
I am very delighted to be the guest of honour at this Welcome Cocktail Reception of the 19th Consumers International World Congress. On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to all our speakers, delegates and guests. Also, I would like to thank Consumers International and the Hong Kong Consumer Council for co-hosting the Congress. We are glad to have many prominent leaders and consumer advocates meeting here to explore how we can empower tomorrow's consumers.
It is most appropriate that Consumers International has chosen Hong Kong as host for the Congress. Hong Kong is renowned for being a globalised city. Goods and services from all over the world are available here, and consumer protection and empowerment has always been important for Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Government spares no effort in strengthening consumer protection. At present, we are working at full steam on legislation on competition, seeking to provide an institutional framework for enterprises to compete fairly with each other and to enhance efficiency and consumer welfare. In addition, we work closely with the Consumer Council in education and empowerment programmes to facilitate the growth of an independent and informed consuming public.
The congress provides an excellent opportunity for bringing together prominent leaders and consumer advocates from all around the world to explore global consumer issues. With your effort and participation, I am confident that the congress will be fruitful in crystallising innovative solutions to empower tomorrow's consumers.
I wish the congress a great success. Thank you.
Ends/Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:03
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