During a meeting on employment opportunities in the local market, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government's Secretary for Economic Development and Labor, StephenIp and Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Henry Tang made an appeal to over 20 international chambers of commerce, business and professional bodies to join in the scheme, and were encouraged to note that these chambers were ready to do so.

Speaking after the meeting, Henry Tang said, "We are glad that this private sector initiative is gaining momentum and continual support with the positive response from the international and local chambers of commerce as well as other business and professional bodies.

"Their enthusiasm in appealing to their members to join the scheme, purely on a voluntary basis, fully demonstrated the spirit of Hong Kong. We are a very cosmopolitan city and we welcome their participation in our affairs," he added.

Since the "One Company One Job" scheme was introduced last week, six major business and trade associations in Hong Kong, with no subsidy by the SAR government, have started their one-year training program for Hong Kong's young graduates to enhance their employability.

(Xinhua News Agency August 2, 2002)