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Q: Did you expect there would be some turbulence here?
FS: No, I do not think that would happen at all although the community has enormous respect for Mr Deng and feel very sorrowful about his passing away. But I think the community is equally psychologically prepared for the event and the markets, in particular, had already been discounted any turbulence effect resulting from his passage. Another thing that you know is we have very strong economic fundamentals, our markets are robust, our reserves are also equally resourceful. And I am quite sure that whatever minor disruption might occasion by his passage would not be enduring. I am sure we would overcome this very shortly.
Q: What are the (inaudible) for the airport?
FS: Very good indeed. Very good indeed. I think we are going to have the airport, I think we are going to have the first commercial take off in Easter next year. Thank you very much indeed.
End
CS to open Year of Heritage
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A ceremony marking the opening of the Year of Heritage will take place at the Chater Garden, Central, at 4 pm tomorrow (Friday).
It will be officiated by the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan. Other guests include the Chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board, Professor David Lung; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust, Mr Alexander Au; and Chairman of the Council of the Trust, Mr Edward Ho.
An exhibition featuring excavations dated back to the Neolithic Period, the Bronze Period, the Qin-Tang Dynasty and the Song-Qing Dynasty, will be put on display. The Television Broadcasts Ltd. will also stage a variety show to put across the message of heritage conservation to the public.
End