ENG-2001 — Page 460

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COMMUNICATIONS, THE MEDIA AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

the Commercial Press (H.K.) Ltd. in March. This competition received a favourable response with a total entry of 135 frames of stamp exhibits.

During the year, Hongkong Post participated in the Japan World Stamp Exhibition held in Tokyo, the World Philatelic Exhibition held in Denmark, and the China National Philatelic Exhibition held in Nanjing. In participating in these world-class stamp exhibitions, Hongkong Post aimed to promote the collection of Hong Kong stamps as well as to enhance international awareness of them.

In October, a new Fu Tai Post Office (in Tuen Mun) was opened for business, bringing the total number of post offices to 130. This office has a new layout and design that accentuates Hongkong Post's progressive corporate image. It has multi- purpose counter units designed to provide more convenient and efficient service to

customers.

Hong Kong has maintained a high international reputation for its efficient postal services. Hongkong Post has participated in the activities organised by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and the Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU) as a member of the delegation of the People's Republic of China. In technical meetings and activities on postal business not limited to states, Hongkong Post also attended as a separate postal administration using the name 'Hong Kong, China'. The high status of Hongkong Post in the international postal arena can be illustrated by its being re-elected as a board member of the UPU Express Mail Service Cooperative (EMSC) and the Asia Pacific Post Cooperative (APPC).

During the year, Hongkong Post attended a number of international meetings such as the UPU Postal Operations Council meetings and Council of Administration meetings in Berne, Switzerland, and the APPU Executive Council Meetings in Manila, Philippines, as a member of the People's Republic of China delegation. In addition, Hongkong Post participated in the board meetings of the UPU EMSC and APPC, the meetings of the UPU Advanced Electronic Services Group, the UPU Terminal Dues Action Group, and the marketing workshops held by the Asia Pacific Post. Apart from attending such international meetings, Hongkong Post also hosted an APP Cooperative Board meeting in Hong Kong in February, and a World Mail & Express Asia 2001 Conference and Exhibition in the same month.