TNAG-1731-FCO40-2444-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 111

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CHIEF SECRETARY: Sir, the localisation policy has been in

operation for many years and as I have explained in answer

to a previous question, it applies at the recruitment

level. It is a steady policy which is intended to make

best use of local talent wherever it is available.

It has

been progressing well over the years and has not been

affected by any of the wastage or resignation rates within

departments. That does not mean to say that we do not see

continuing role, also, for expatriate officers. We

expect to see, up to and beyond 1997, a continuing role

for expatriate officers, and indeed, there will be

substantial number of expatriate officers as Heads of

Departments by the time 1997 arrives.

a

It is

is a question of maintaining the balance between the

international

experience which some expatriate officers

can provide, and

a natural

to requirement

localise the

service, Sir. I am satisfied with the progress so far.