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Press Release
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FS speaks on public consultation on tax reform
(With Photo)
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Following is the transcript
of remarks (English portion) by the Financial Secretary, Mr Henry
Tang, after attending a radio programme this morning (July 20):
Reporter: So far there is a lot of
criticism and major political parties have actually called against
it. Are you worried that it will be a repeat of the government's
constitutional reform that the lawmakers will vote against your
package?
Financial Secretary: First of all,
I am not surprised at the reaction. Hong Kong is very much like
most other economies that upon the discussion of a tax reform, most
people will have very strong feelings about it. This is totally
within our expectation. Secondly, we have launched a consultation.
We are not tabling a piece of legislation that requires voting.
Therefore, it is not an issue of whether it will pass the LegCo
(Legislative Council) or whether it won't. But I hope through the
whole discussion process, we will be able to get a better idea of
the areas that people are most concerned about, and at the same
time, it will be a very useful discussion because people will get
a better understanding of what is a fair share of tax burden.
(Please also refer to the Chinese
portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Thursday, July 20, 2006
Issued at HKT 13:03
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