SCED speaks on impact of Occupy Central on tourism and recruitment of Director of Broadcasting
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     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, to the media on the impact of Occupy Central on tourism and the recruitment of the Director of Broadcasting after attending the reception to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the People's Republic of China organised by the media sector today (September 26):

Reporter: Are you concerned that ... Occupy Central ...?

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I believe that the development of our tourism industry requires the co-operation of everyone. We in the Government and those in the industry are working very hard to uphold the reputation of Hong Kong, and I don't think anybody would like to see Occupy Central having an adverse impact on our reputation, which is very, very important. Am I concerned? Of course I am concerned about the negative impact, and the signal that it will send to the international community. And I will do everything I could, and I am sure the industry, colleagues within the industry, also try their very best to uphold the reputation of Hong Kong. As to the impact of Occupy Central on tourism, I don't think anybody could tell at this point of time, not knowing the scope or the duration, or what sort of activities will be included in Occupy Central. But I would hope that everybody would have the best interest of Hong Kong in mind, and do not take lightly any adverse impact their actions may bring to our reputation.

Reporter: Do you think the recruitment of Director of Broadcasting ...?

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I am confident that this recruitment process will proceed in accordance with established procedures. As you indicated, today we have started the recruitment process by advertising in newspapers. The application could be filed by October 24. I am confident that my colleagues will be able to proceed with this procedure and I am hopeful that the right person would come forward. Whether we will find somebody in this process, by past experience, we were able to do so in the previous (recruitment of) Director of Broadcasting in 2007. So, I am hopeful that, again, we would find the right person.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Friday, September 26, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:25

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