Hong Kong ABAC representatives appointed

The government today (December 18) announced the appointment of three representatives of Hong Kong to the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation) Business Advisory Council (ABAC).

They are Dr Victor Fung Kwok-king, Chairman, Prumerical Financial Asia Ltd; Mr Tung Chee Chen, Chairman, Orient Overseas (International) Ltd; and Mr James
Hughes-Hallett, Chairman, John Swire & Sons (HK) Ltd. Their appointments start from January 1, 2003.

Dr Fung, Sir Gordon Wu Ying-sheung and Mr Peter Woo Kwong-ching were Hong Kong's representatives to ABAC in 2002. While Dr Fung has accepted re-appointment for another year, Sir Gordon and Mr Woo have decided to step down because of other commitments.

"The government is very grateful to Dr Fung, Sir Gordon and Mr Woo for their valuable contribution to various ABAC activities during the past year," said the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Henry Tang.

"We warmly welcome Mr Tung and Mr Hughes-Hallett as new members and look forward to their active participation in ABAC's work in the coming year."

"With their wealth of business experience, I have no doubt that our three representatives will contribute to ABAC's mission of fostering closer co-operation and involvement of the private sector in APEC activities, and ensure that APEC's work continues to be relevant to the interests of the business community."

ABAC was established in June 1996 as a permanent business advisory body to provide advice to APEC on business sector priorities, and to respond to requests from various APEC forums for information about business perspectives on specific areas of co-operation.

End/Wednesday, December 18, 2002