Hong Kong chief executive focuses on smooth handover

HONG KONG, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong chief executive Donald Tsang said here Thursday he has been communicating with chief executive-elect CY Leung regularly, and they have the same objective to ensure a smooth transition of administration so that public services are not disrupted.

Returning from his overseas trip Thursday, Tsang told the media at the airport that he will focus on the transition and supporting the next administration during his remaining term of office.

All policy formulation and execution before July 1 is under the purview of the existing government, he said, adding the new administration will formulate policies from that date. Both governments will discuss issues involving both terms.

Tsang said the decision to delay announcing next year's quota for mainland women giving birth in Hong Kong was made after discussions by both administrations, and both he and Leung are concerned about the birth-quota issue.

He said the arrangement shows the handover of government is running smoothly.