********************************************************
The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (November 18, Ha Noi time) urged Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) to give a strong push to break the current deadlock of Doha Development Agenda (DDA) negotiations.
Speaking at an annual meeting with leaders of APEC member economies in Ha Noi, Mr Tsang said: "APEC is in an unrivalled position to show its solidarity and unequivocal commitment to the Doha Round.蒅 He urged all members to declare loud and clear that they all stand ready to offer more beyond their current positions.
"Hong Kong, China, as always, will do all we can to help engage other players." Mr Tsang said.
Turning to prevention and control of avian influenza, the Chief Executive said that we have effective surveillance systems in place for both human and animal influenza. As a result, there has been no outbreak of avian influenza in Hong Kong since mid-2003, despite the outbreaks in other parts of Asia.
"The WHO remarked that Hong Kong is well prepared against the possible outbreak of avian influenza and we have drawn up a Preparedness Plan and we are updating it on an ongoing basis in line with WHO's guidelines and recommendations." He also took the chance to thank all APEC economies which supported Dr Margaret Chan from Hong Kong to become the next Director-General of WHO.
The Chief Executive has a busy day today. After attending APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, he joined other economic leaders to meet APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) members to exchange views on ways to further the work of APEC.
Earlier in the day, Mr Tsang had breakfast with President Hu Jintao and briefed him on Hong Kong's latest social, economic and political development.
In the evening, the Chief Executive attended the official dinner hosted by the President of Viet Nam and Chair of the APEC 2006 Economic Leaders﷿ Meeting, Mr Nguyen Minh Triet.
Tomorrow, Mr Tsang will continue to attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
Ends/Saturday, November 18, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:05
NNNN
