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Following is the transcript of remarks to reporters by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Kuala Lumpur today (Monday):

Q: (Ray Rudowski, TVB): Are you disappointed that there weren't any Hong Kong companies taking part in the international trade fair and do you think that the Industry Department or Trade Development Council should be more active in recruiting for these trade fairs, especially at this time of economic uncertainty.

Mr Tung: Well, I think Hong Kong businesses are very active in their own way and where they smell opportunity they will be there in seconds. So they will know what to do. As far as the Government is concerned we will always be there to help, to promote and to push along. But at the end of the day the private sector in Hong Kong, as you know, make their own decisions how to go forward.

Q: (Ray Rudowski, TVB): Do you think there is a cloud hanging over APEC this time with the President not coming and with some of the political things happening here?

Mr Tung: Well, as I said yesterday that obviously we were disappointed that President Clinton did not come but you know there are a whole lot of important issues to be discussed at APEC and we will, I'm sure, move forward and achieve good results.

End/Monday, November 16, 1998

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Chief Executive's transcript in Kuala Lumpur (Chinese part)