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Following is the transcript of the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, at the Central Government Offices West Wing today (July 26) (English part):

Reporter: What exactly are you going to achieve from the scheme?

Stephen Ip: To create as many job opportunities as possible in times like this and it is really good for our private sector to take the initiative of offering job opportunities for our graduates. We don't have any target in mind, I think the important thing is the participation, the support of the private sector, that is the most important thing and is purely voluntary of course.

Reporter: (Is there a morale building aspect?)

Stephen Ip: It is not only morale building, it also gives opportunities for the graduates to have the working experience that is very important. Working experience will help them to find jobs later on. Also for companies employing these trainees, if they consider them suitable for the company, they may hire them on a long-term basis. I think it is very good experience for the people concerned.

(Please also refer to the Chinese part.)

End/Friday, July 26, 2002

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