New Heights

Speech by the Financial Secretary, moving the

Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill 2000

8 March 2000

Market-led Economy

Maximum Support

Minimum Intervention

Fiscal Prudence

Enhancing the Financial Infrastructure

Developing a Multi-currency Clearing System

Building a Leading Debt Market in the Region

Reforming the Banking Sector

Reducing Risks in the Financial Market

Enhancing the Regulatory Regime and Corporate Governance

Attracting More Foreign Investment

Providing Better Services to Business

Strengthening Support for Innovation and Technology

Door to Prosperity

Business Leads and Government Supports

Employment Prospects and Self-improvement

Progress of the Enhanced Productivity Programme

Progress of the Civil Service Reform

Containing the Size of the Civil Service

Voluntary Retirement Scheme

Transforming the Subvention System

Revenue

Expenditure

Revenue Estimates

Spending Constraints

Expenditure Estimates

Additional Expenditure Initiatives

Measures to Promote Employment

Measures to Promote Self-reliance

More Services for the Elderly and the Disabled

More Financial Assistance to Needy School Students

Improving Building Safety

Investing in Quality Education

Stamp Duty on Stock Transactions

Diesel Duty

First Registration Tax Exemption for Electric Vehicles

Review of Exemptions from First Registration Tax

Rates

Profits Tax

Salaries Tax

Tobacco Duty