****************************

The Chief Executive's Office announced today (March 29) that Mr Chan Kin-ping would fill the post of Senior Special Assistant to the Chief Executive with effect from April 1. Mr Chan has assumed his present post as Special Assistant to the Chief Executive since 1997.

Senior Special Assistant is responsible for liaising with Mainland authorities and organisations as well as conducting research and giving advice on matters relating to the Chief Executive's liaison with community organisations and various sectors.

One of the key policy areas of the second term SAR Government is to strengthen co-operation with the Mainland. The Chief Executive's Office assumes a more comprehensive role and heavier responsibility in this regard.

End/Saturday, March 29, 2003

NNNN