Alleged acceptance of advantage case in InvestHK unsubstantiated
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     In response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) said today (November 20) that the bureau had completed an internal investigation into an anonymous complaint involving alleged acceptance of advantages by the senior management of Invest Hong Kong and found the case unsubstantiated.

     "We launched an investigation immediately after receiving the complaint on September 16 alleging that Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Charles Ng, had given a box of wine to Director-General of Investment Promotion (DGIP) Mr Simon Galpin on April 2 before the official announcement of Mr Galpin's appointment as DGIP.

     "Our investigation finds that the allegation is unfounded. Mr Ng has never sent a box of wine to Mr Galpin as claimed. Both of them have not breached any rules and regulations applicable to the civil service in relation to acceptance of advantages," the spokesman said.

     "Both CEDB and Invest Hong Kong are committed and determined to upholding the highest standard of conduct and integrity in the civil service and have put in place mechanisms to ensure staff's compliance with the rules and regulations applicable to the civil service governing acceptance of advantages and related matters," he stressed.

Ends/Friday, November 20, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:30

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