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Transcript of remarks by SCED at media session
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     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, to the media after attending the Cruise Holiday Expo today (September 20):

Reporter: What will the Government's stance be if TVB (Television Broadcasts Limited) appeals the ruling by the Communications Authority?

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: The answer is that everything will be following the procedures and the legislation, being the Broadcasting Ordinance. Under section 34 of the Ordinance, TVB has 30 days, after the decision had been handed down, to appeal to the Chief Executive in Council, but nevertheless, under the Ordinance, TVB is required to execute in accordance with the direction of the Communications Authority in the meantime, notwithstanding if there is going to be an appeal.

Reporter: Is the Government satisfied with the current status of the berthing schedule of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal?

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: In my speech earlier, I indicated that this is a brand new facility, we are facing a lot of challenges of course, but also we are exposed to a lot of possibilities and potential for the future development. In the beginning stage, it is always going to be difficult, because cruise (operators) normally will plan one or two years in advance before they will send the cruise ships over. Notwithstanding that, we are quite happy to announce that from October onwards until the end of next year, we will have 35 cruises coming through Hong Kong, and this is currently the status. We are working with the travel trade to intensify our promotion and working with the neighbouring regions to develop a one trip-multiple destinations cruise schedule, so that we can bring in more cruises over here. Are we satisfied? I think this is a new facility, you must proceed gradually and orderly. I think the progress so far has been very good, but that does not mean that we could be complacent. We will work harder to bring more cruises here.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Friday, September 20, 2013
Issued at HKT 22:21

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