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Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Joseph WP Wong, speaking to the media after addressing a luncheon at the Foreign Correspondents' Club today (July 10):
Reporter: Would you say in English about PCCW?
SCIT: I would not comment on the various speculations and reports regarding possible changes in shareholding, possible changes in the assets of a particular telecommunications company. The Government position is very clear. The Government, and also, in terms of regulating the telecommunications industry, the Telecommunications Authority, has a responsibility and duty to administer the Telecommunications Ordinance and if at some point in time certain things happened, which involve the application of the Telecommunications Ordinance, no doubt the Telecommunications Authority will act in accordance with the law, no more and no less. Also, it is very important for us, and indeed for the Telecommunications Authority, to ensure, if necessary to remind, the telecommunications companies to do their duty in accordance to the licence to ensure that their services will continue to the level of standard and quality as required by the licence; to ensure that the services to the public will not be affected. Other than that, it will be totally inappropriate for the Government to comment on any speculation and reports. Thank you.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Monday, July 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:27
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