XCC(91)62
CONFIDENTIAL ·
PUBLIC REACTION
28
DOWNGRADEDge
9
This proposal has already been floated in public in a general way without adverse reaction, but its more detailed endorsement may attract more interest and comments both on its unusual nature as a joint Government/private sector venture overseas and on its official recognition of the continuing seriousness of the brain-drain problem. Public response to the idea is likely to be favourable, however, particularly if there is evident employer interest in using the scheme; and any labour or other union opposition to the more thorough search for overseas professionals to fill experienced positions is unlikely to be strong enough to attract general public support in the circumstances.
PUBLICITY
29.
In view of the likely interest in the proposed operation of the scheme,
of the scheme, and the benefits of maximising its use, confirmation of the endorsement of the new joint venture company will be made known through a press release outlining it in the context of Government's continuing efforts to attract necessary qualified manpower from overseas and tap an already-existing pool of potential returnee-emigrants.
(The Secretary for Education and Manpower Mr. K. Y. YEUNG, the Commissioner for Labour, Mr. D. CHEN, and Principal Assistant Secretary (Education and Manpower) Mr. S. WONG will attend for this item).
10 April 1991
(EMB 2/3051/89 (TC 5/90))
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COUNCIL CHAMBER
COMANNGRADYAL