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Transcript of remarks by CS at media session (with video)
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     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at a media session after attending the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition in celebration of the 115th anniversary of Ta Kung Pao today (June 14):

Reporter: Do you think that the current level is set, like, not too many people can benefit from it? And also, do you think, you said that it's a breakthrough but then do you think as a starting point it's still like not too many can benefit from it?
 
Chief Secretary for Administration: I would say the wage level of $11,000 is a prudent starting point. It's not an ending point. It's a starting point. We will certainly review the situation constantly and regularly, particularly bearing in mind that the wage level of $11,000 is based on last year's figures. So, by the time when the bill is implemented, say when the whole measure is implemented by the year end of 2020, we will certainly take account of the wage level at that time to see whether there is any room for upward revision of the level. So there is room for revision, first of all, and secondly we will certainly take account of the practical experience on the ground when the bill is implemented, when the measure is in place, to decide the future direction of working hour policy in Hong Kong. In fact, you know, this will be a very important starting point. That's why I described the word as a breakthrough. It's a prudent starting point, also strikes a reasonable balance between protecting the well-being of low-wage grass-roots workers on the one hand and employers, particularly small, medium enterprises on the other. We're talking about striking a reasonable balance between the two.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
 
 
Ends/Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Issued at HKT 13:05
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CS meets the media