3
He said: "I have to have concern, and the Chief Secretary has to have a concern, for the morale and the well-being of the thousands of civil servants who work for us in IIong Kong."
He noted that the questions were about the careers and livelihoods of civil servants and in their interest, it was not very sensible to get involved in a public dispute.
"I think the time has come to cool it and to try to take forward a serious discussion in the Joint Liaison Group or in any other forum which others think may be convenient," Mr Patten added.
End/Wednesday, January 18, 1995
"Made in Hong Kong" -- a mark of quality
The fashion business displays Hong Kong at its best. The swift and stylish response to customer demand and to competitive pressure is Hong Kong's speciality.
The Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, said this today (Wednesday) at the opening ceremony of the 25th Hong Kong Fashion Week.
He noted that Hong Kong's speed and style were based upon several factors, such as years of investment in new technology and in the education and training of experts in the field; an open market free from Government interference but backed by fair rules that apply evenly to every player.
He said: "It is that substance of consistent commitment, flavoured with the dash of designers talent and entrepreneurial initiative, that has made Hong Kong in its own right the world's third largest clothing exporter - or the world's largest if you add on our re-export trade.”
Mr Patten added that it was long term commitment that had made Hong Kong the hub for the sourcing of garments for delivery to every continent and that had made the label "Made in Hong Kong" a mark of quality around the world.
Hong Kong's fashion industry is well poised to seize the opportunities that the phasing out of the multi-fibre arrangements by 2005 will bring, he noted.