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Transcript of the remarks in English made by Mr K C Kwong today (Thursday):
Question: Mr Kwong, can you give me an English brief?
Mr Kwong: Yes. We have two pragmatic and useful days of meetings and the focus is on the mode of co-operation in the preparation of the 97/98 budget. On the basis of the co-operation and understanding that we have built up in the past 12 months, we have made further progress. In particular, we have agreed on generally an outline timetable for the preparation of the 97/98 budget. That timetable follows broadly the normal timetable in previous years, but of course we have made allowance for discussions of all major issues in the budget expert group. On the discussion of the major issues, it is our aim that we should reach rapid consensus on them as far as possible so that we can continue with the budgetary process on a step by step basis.
Question: Is there an agreement on the mode of co-operation between China and Hong Kong in formulating the budget and that Mr Chen has said China has to take
a leading role in formulating the budget. Do you say the British side has said yes to this?
Mr Kwong: We have made some progress in the discussion on the mode of co- operation in preparation of the 97/98 budget. Specific areas where progress has been made, I have already outlined. But I think the most important thing before us is to strengthen co-operation in order to reach consensus on 97/98 through budget so that we can have a smooth transition, and the important thing which Mr Chen has also said, is that, the detailed preparation of 97/98 budget is something which will have to be undertaken by Hong Kong Government departments.
Question: Mr Kwong, does it mean that China is not going to take a leading role in formulating the budget?
Mr Kwong: I think it is really not a question which is important to us. The important question is how we can co-operate to prepare a budget which is a through budget for 97/98 and which will help a smooth transition and we have made it very clear that in the expert group under the Joint Liaison Group, we are equal partners in this co- operation.
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