Following is the transcript of a media session given by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa at the airport before leaving for Vancouver this Saturday afternoon.

Question: Mr Tung, what will you be communicating to APEC leaders about the recent market volatility in the region?

Chief Executive: We will have an opportunity to discuss in depth the financial turmoil that's affected this region recently. It's a welcome opportunity for all of us to be there, but we will also be looking beyond the current turmoil, looking further down the road, to how we can expand our co-operation from an economic point of view, from a monetary point of view, from a trading point of view. I think I share the optimism which has been expressed, that despite the current turmoil 21st century, Asia will still be very vibrant, very prosperous and very successful.

Question: Mr Tung,are you worried about bringing ....... on the Hong Kong dollar in your absence, given the way the South Korean Won has gone down?

Chief Executive: As you know, South Korea and the IMF are coming together on a package to stabilise the Korean Won. I think it's a very good development insofar as Hong Kong is concerned, in that we are confident: firstly, we are very resolute in our policy that the linked exchange rate will stay; secondly, we are confident we can defend it; and thirdly, we have a group of very capable and experienced people who know exactly how to deal with this situation. So although I'm aware, I'm not concerned.