Opening the four-day symposium, titled "Civil Service Management Forum," attended by a total of 14,000 civil servants, the HKSAR Administrative Secretary Donald Tsang said Hong Kong has set itself the goal to become Asia's world city.

"It is our benchmark, and one we must always strive to reach and surpass it in our daily work," Tsang said.

He said an objective this week is to help civil servants achieve a deeper and common understanding of such a goal and reinforce the critical role of the civil service in meeting the needs and aspirations of the community.

"Globalization, China's entry to the World Trade Organization, growing competition from neighboring cities, the increasing pace of technological development, skill mismatch in our workforce, the need for life-long learning -- all of these will impact on the work of civil servants in the next few years and beyond," he said.

Tsang said by breaking down the barriers between government bureaus and departments, and developing the right mindset, the government will work more closely with the private sector, non-government organizations and the public to ensure that policies and practices have the support of the community.

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2002)