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Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, to the media after attending a media session on Hong Kong Summer Fun today (June 15):
Reporter: (On possible shareholding change of Asia Television Limited (ATV) and impact of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) on tourism)
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: You have two questions. The first question is with respect to the possible shareholding change of ATV and how would this be handled. To answer your question, any application for shareholding change of a licensee of a free TV licence would have to be handled by the Communications Authority. As of now, the Communications Authority has not received the application by ATV. And also, as of last Friday (June 12) when this news broke, the Communications Authority had written to ATV reminding them that according to the (Broadcasting) Ordinance, they are to submit application to the Communications Authority should there be any changes in the shareholding.
Your second question is with respect to MERS regarding the situation in Korea. With respect to outbound traffic to Korea, we all heard from the TIC (Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong) that all tourist (groups) for the time being have been suspended to go to Korea. I believe the travel industry will come up with products to satisfy the travelling needs of our local residents in terms of travelling abroad. I believe the industry will handle this appropriately.
As to promotion, like today's event about promoting tourism from short-haul markets, it is my understanding that the Hong Kong Tourism Board has suspended temporarily the promotion activities in Korea. I believe that the Tourism Board will review the situation as it develops.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Monday, June 15, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:57
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