In his opening address to the Hong Kong 2001 Stamp Exhibition, the Financial Secretary Donald Tsang said that the craze for Hong Kong stamps and other memorabilia in the past has gone, but over the years, Hongkong Post has developed a fine philatelic reputation for its ethical stamp issuing policies, product innovation, the quality of its stamps and a large and loyal customer base.

Tsang said the exhibition is a venue for postal authorities, agents and their partners in the industry to meet and interact in the pursuit of the development and promotion of philately worldwide.

It also provides a great opportunity for the keen philatelists and casual collectors to see some of the world's finest stamp exhibits and to experience the joy of stamp collecting, he concluded.

The exhibition with exhibitors from over 100 countries throughout the world is expected to attract up to a quarter of a million visitors.

(Xinhua 02/01/2001)