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Remarks by Chief Executive on GST
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Following is the transcript of remarks
(English portion) by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, on goods
and services tax at the Central Government Offices this morning
(December 5):
This morning, the Financial Secretary
made an interim report on the current consultation as regards our
tax structure reform and he already explained how we are going to
handle the remainder of the consultation process.
All the members of the Executive
Council and myself fully support the decision of the Financial Secretary.
We believe that the decision he has made respects fully the wishes
of Hong Kong people that we should seriously consider widening our
tax base. At the same time he has paid full regard to the strong
opposition of the people to the introduction of GST at this time.
I have all along emphasised the importance
of gaining sufficient public support in formulating public policy,
so the way that the Financial Secretary has proposed to do is in
accordance with that view and it is certainly a pragmatic way of
going forward. And it deserves all public support.
Thank you very much.
(Please also refer to the Chinese
portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, December 5, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:38
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