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The Government announced today (September 26) that Mr Chau Tak-hay, former Secretary for Commerce and Industry, will proceed on pre-retirement leave on October 1, 2002. Upon the recommendation of the Chief Executive, Mr Chau has been appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Trade & Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC) of the Central People's Government (CPG) as their Special Consultant for World Trade Organization (WTO) Affairs. Mr Chau will not receive any remuneration for his part-time service with MOFTEC.
On the retirement of Mr Chau, the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa said: "Mr Chau has served with drive and commitment in the civil service for 35 years. He has made exemplary contributions to the development of Hong Kong, in particular in the areas of satellite television broadcasting, commerce and industry and the protection of intellectual property rights."
As regards the appointment of Mr Chau as Special Consultant to MOFTEC after his retirement, the Chief Executive said: "I am glad that Mr Chau has been appointed by MOFTEC as their Special Consultant for WTO Affairs. During his service in the Hong Kong Government, Mr Chau has been responsible for multilateral and international trade matters for many years, and has a wealth of experience in matters relating to the WTO. I am very pleased with Mr Chau's appointment as Special Consultant to MOFTEC, since he could make the best use of his expert knowledge and contribute to the participation of the Mainland in WTO matters."
The following are biographical notes on Mr Chau -
Aged 59. Mr Chau joined the Government in July 1967 and has served in a number of policy bureaux and departments. Senior positions held by Mr Chau include: Regional Secretary (Hong Kong & Kowloon) (from April 1986 to September 1988), Secretary for Health and Welfare (from October 1988 to December 1989), Director-General of Trade (from January 1990 to May 1991), Secretary for Trade and Industry (from May 1991 to November 1995) and Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport (from November 1995 to March 1998). He was appointed a Principal Official of HKSARG in July 1997 and took up the position of Secretary for Trade and Industry (later renamed Secretary for Commerce and Industry) from March 1998 to end June 2002.
End/Thursday, September 26, 2002
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