Dr. Chan, Mr. Lui, guests of honour and friends from the taxi trade:

          I feel much honoured to be here today as one of the officiating guests of the Taxi Driver Commendation Scheme Launching Ceremony.

          To encourage the taxi trade to provide quality taxi service, the Quality Taxi Services Steering Committee launched two taxi driver award schemes last year. About 500 taxi drivers were commended for providing local passengers, tourists and passengers with disabilities with quality service. These two taxi driver award schemes proved to be successful and had built up a strong foundation to encourage taxi drivers to provide quality service to passengers.

          In order to maintain this driving force, the Quality Taxi Services Steering Committee supports the implementation of the "Taxi Driver Commendation Scheme", which provides a permanent and regular channel for taxi passengers to show their appreciation to taxi drivers for their quality service and good conduct.

          On behalf of the Quality Taxi Services Steering Committee, I would like to thank Government Departments and organizations concerned for their participation in and support for the Taxi Driver Commendation Scheme. The uplifting of taxi services to meet passengers' expectations, and passengers' satisfaction of taxi services depend on active participation and support of the taxi trade.

          Therefore, I would like to appeal to representatives of taxi associations for their continuous support to the Quality Taxi Services Steering Committee in implementing various quality taxi service schemes, and to encourage front-line taxi drivers to provide quality taxi service, in order to improve the taxi service standard of Hong Kong and enhance Hong Kong's image as a world-class cosmopolitan city.

          Finally, I wish the Taxi Driver Commendation Scheme every success.

          Thank you.