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The International Business Committee (IBC), chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, was briefed by the Administration today (January 21) on the Chief Executive's Policy Address delivered last week.
Members of the IBC noted that the 2013 Policy Address, the first one made by the Chief Executive in his five-year term, had covered a wide range of subjects, forming an action plan for the coming year as well as a five-year blueprint.
Given the concerns of the overseas community about the air quality of Hong Kong, which had been reflected by the IBC to the Administration in the past, the IBC unanimously welcomed the environmental protection measures unveiled in the Policy Address to achieve cleaner air by reducing roadside pollution and emissions from vessels.
Members also appreciated the financial commitments made by the Government in this respect, including $10 billion set aside to phase out some 80 000 pre-Euro and Euro I to III diesel commercial vehicles and $5 billion injected into the Environment and Conservation Fund to provide long-term funding for community-led green initiatives.
Established in 1989, the IBC provides a forum for discussion between the Government and international business representatives on matters affecting the business environment and perceptions of Hong Kong. The Committee comprises representatives from 27 foreign chambers of commerce in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. A list of business chambers sitting on the IBC is in the Annex.
Today's meeting was followed by a reception hosted by the Chief Secretary for Administration in appreciation of the members' support and contribution over the past years.
Ends/Monday, January 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:38
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