Appointment of Hong Kong, China's representatives to ABAC
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     The Government announced today (January 20) the appointment of Mr Richard Li, Chairman of PCCW Ltd, and Mr Anthony Nightingale, Managing Director of Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd, as Hong Kong, China's representatives to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC) until the end of 2010.  

     Mr Li replaces Mr Tung Chee Chen, Chairman of Oriental Overseas (International) Ltd, who has served on ABAC since 2003, while Mr Nightingale has accepted re-appointment for another term. Hong Kong, China's other incumbent representative to ABAC is Dr Raymond Ch'ien Kuo-fung, Chairman of MTR Corporation Ltd.

     Speaking on the service of Mr Tung on ABAC, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau, said, "The Government is very grateful to Mr Tung for his valuable contribution to ABAC during the past years, particularly his co-chairmanship in two working groups of ABAC which have been held in high esteem, and have helped raise Hong Kong's profile in ABAC.
 
     "We also warmly welcome Mr Li as our new ABAC representative. Together with Mr Nightingale and Dr Ch'ien, I am sure the wealth of business experience of Hong Kong's ABAC team will inject new impetus into the work of ABAC.  We look forward to their contribution to ensure that APEC's work continues to be relevant to the interests of the business community."

     ABAC was established in 1996 as a permanent business advisory body to provide advice to APEC on business sector priorities for implementing its goal towards free trade and free investment in the Asia Pacific region.

Ends/Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:01

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