Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung today said she believes civil servants will appreciate that the Budget's fiscal consolidation programme is essential to Hong Kong’s development, and she hopes they will keep up their good work.

Writing to all civil servants on the policy initiatives relating to the civil service in the Budget, Mrs Yeung emphasised that under all circumstances, government departments should strive to enhance efficiency and contain their establishment by reviewing work priorities, reallocating internal resources, streamlining procedures and leveraging technology.

She expressed hope that civil service colleagues would keep up their good work, dare to break new ground with an innovative mindset, further embrace technology and make better use of human resources to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Mrs Yeung also met representatives from the civil service central consultative councils and civil service staff unions.

In the meeting, she said civil servants, with a pivotal role in policy implementation, should understand, appreciate and actively support the Government's governing tenets and measures, dedicating themselves to building a vibrant economy, seeking development opportunities and improving people's livelihoods as well as promoting the high-quality development of Hong Kong.

Mrs Yeung noticed that many civil servants appreciate the decision to freeze pay and reduce establishment and they support the Government's direction of reforming its mode of work and applying technology.

She expressed confidence the civil service would strive for excellence and overcome the challenges ahead, so as to bring the efficiency and effectiveness of the Government to new heights.