Hong Kong is ready for the Y2K and within government departments all critical systems have already completed their compliance work to ensure a smooth rollover to the new century, a senior government official said Wednesday.

Deputy Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting Jessie Ting told a press conference that Hong Kong had made very comprehensive plans to meet contingency situations and minimize the risk of the Y2K.

A Central Coordinating Center (CCC) has been set up to serve as a territory-wide Y2K monitoring and coordinating structure, Ting said. The CCC will commence its work on December 31 starting from noon and operate until January 3, 2000.

According to Ting, during the course of its operation, the CCC will be coordinating and maintaining very close liaison with 13 sectors in order to "grasp the latest position in these sectors". The 13 sectors will liaison directly with relevant government departments and providers of critical services.

Apart from monitoring the situation locally, Ting said the CCC will also be monitoring the situation overseas, so that if there were any mishaps, the CCC will be working hand in hand with relevant bodies and organizations in order to activate the contingency plans as soon as possible. (Xinhua)