XN000022-1996-01-04 — Page 3

- 2 -

In addition to the Intellectual Property (World Trade Organisation Amendment) Bill which was already before the Legislative Council, four major bills on intellectual property would also be introduced into the council this

year.

On enforcement, Mr Tsang said the Customs and Excise Department was determined to combat property piracy and therefore emphasis would be placed on tackling the problem at the importation and distribution levels.

The Financial Secretary said adequate resources would be allocated to Customs in the next financial year to further strengthen its capability in enforcement and prosecution, intelligence gatherings, border surveillance and interceptions, and liaison with the Chinese Customs.

In particular, intelligence gathering and investigation work relating to organised syndicates in piracy activities in Hong Kong would be stepped up, Mr Tsang said,

}

End

Vitasoy products monitored

In response to an announcement by the Vitasoy International Holdings Limited today (Thursday) of the temporary suspension of production of its paper-packed products by its Shenzhen plant, a spokesman for the Department of Health said:

"The department considers that it is an appropriate step for the company to take to facilitate thorough investigation of any problem it may have with its Shenzhen plant.

"Retailers are asked to stop selling the recalled batch of paper-packed Vitasoy/Vita products bearing a bar code beginning with the digit '6' and the address of the group's Shenzhen plant. These products should be returned to the manufacturer.

"Members of the public who may have purchased the products in question are advised to exchange for fresh stocks according to arrangements made by the company.

"Those who may have already opened the product and found a sour taste in it should hand it over to the Urban Services Department and Regional Services Department for further investigation (Tel hotlines - 2868 0000 and 2414 5555).