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The Acting Chief Executive, Mrs Anson Chan, responded to media enquiry on the remarks made yesterday by an official from the Central People's Government Liaison Office. The following is the statement given by Mrs Chan to the media at the Central Government Offices today (June 1):

I think you've just received our response to the remarks that was made by an official of the Central People's Government Liaison Office yesterday. I want to stress two points. First of all, it is quite clear that his remarks have already raised the widespread concern particularly of the business sector here in Hong Kong. Secondly, as you all know the SAR Government has consistently stressed that trade and business matters should be kept strictly separate and apart from political considerations. It is inappropriate for any political consideration to affect business decisions. In our view, business decisions are best left to businessmen and should not invite the interference of any official of whatever status.

End/Thursday June 1, 2000

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