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Quotable quotes in the Budget speech 1997/98
Following are some of the quotable quotes in the Budget Speech 1997/98 delivered by the Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
INTRODUCTION
An Historic Occasion
"1997 is a very special year for Hong Kong. The eyes of the world will be upon us as we set out on our historic journey." (Para 2)
"The Budget I am presenting this afternoon is unique because it is a transitional one, a Budget specially designed to meet the circumstances of 1997. It must respond to the far-reaching consequences of the resumption of the exercise of sovereignty and the creation of the Special Administrative Region. This Budget seeks to fulfil that historic mission." (Para 5)
A PROCESS OF CONSULTATION
The Joint Liaison Group
"The Budget Expert Group has worked throughout in a co-operative spirit. Its discussions have been pragmatic and constructive. And it has reached rapid consensus at every stage." (Para 10)
"We wanted to achieve a Budget that would cover the entire financial year from 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998; a budget which was financially sound and prudent and which would take into account the interests of all." (Para 11)
"We wanted to ensure that our public services would continue smoothly, uninterrupted by the transition." (Para !1)
"We wanted to ensure that there would be no room for doubt about the continuity of the tax system." (Para 11)
"We wanted to draw up a Budget which would strengthen Hong Kong's financial and economic prospects for the future." (Para 11)