Transcript of CE's media session at airport
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    Following is the transcript (English portion) of a media session by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today  (March 2) at the Hong Kong International Airport before departing for Beijing to attend the opening ceremony of the fourth session of the 10th National People's Congress on Sunday (March 5):

Question: I understand that you won't have the chance to meet the state leaders during this meeting. Can you tell us the reasons?

Chief Executive: I will have many chances to meet the state leaders on this occasion. There will be an opening ceremony and many occasions. You remember that I was in Beijing not too long ago in December and had a very thorough discussion with the President, the Premier and other senior officials. Since then, we do not have serious problems or serious issues to resolve. And as you know, this is the busiest time for national leaders in Beijing. What I'm going to do in Beijing on this occasion are the practical things, which may bring greater benefit to Hong Kong people and bring new opportunities for economic development here, and hopefully also help the further modernisation of the nation as a whole.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Thursday, March 2, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:01

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