The Chinese central government, on the nomination and recommendation of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Donald Tsang, approved Saturday Rita Lau's appointment as Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR government and the removal of Frederick Ma from the post.

Rita Lau, 55, joined the Administrative Service in October 1976and rose to her present rank of Administrative Officer Staff GradeA1 in September 2004. She has been Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology) since last year.

Meeting the media, Tsang described Lau as the best candidate for the job. She is a senior civil servant with extensive experience and remarkable performance in public administration during her more than 30 years of government service, the Chief Executive said.

She shares his governing philosophy, and has gained a depth of knowledge in her policy areas in the past year in the bureau, Tsang said, noting her commitment to the nation, Hong Kong and the community is unquestionable.

Tsang said he is confident Lau can lead her team to help accomplish his policy objectives, given her excellent leadership and management ability.

Expressing gratefulness and honor to be appointed, Lau said the job also comes with greater responsibility. She said she will quickly gear up and she pledged to honestly, selflessly and loyally apply herself to her duties and undertake to serve and assist the Chief Executive in Hong Kong's best interests.

She will also seek to maintain contact and collaboration with all sectors, and work together to promote business, commerce, innovation, technology and economic development, Lau said.

Her work with Ma in close partnership in the past year has been a rewarding and enjoyable experience, she added.

Lau has served in various bureaux and departments, including Deputy Secretary (Information Technology and Broadcasting) in 1998,Director of Urban Services in 1999 and Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene in 2000.

She was appointed Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works (Environment and Transport) in 2002 and Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands (Planning and Lands) in 2004.

(Xinhua News Agency July 13, 2008)