New role: Joseph Lai will take up the post of Director-General of Trade & Industry in January.

Joseph Lai will take up the post of Director-General of Trade & Industry from January 5, the Civil Service Bureau has announced.

A Deputy Secretary for Constitutional Affairs since March 2003, Mr Lai, 46, joined the administrative service in August 1983 and has since served in many bureaus and departments.

He was Deputy Secretary for Education & Manpower from October 1997 to May 2001, and Deputy Director-General of Trade & Industry from May 2001 to March 2003.

Commenting on the appointment, Secretary for the Civil Service Denise Yue said Mr Lai is an experienced administrative officer with rich experience in public administration and proven leadership and management skills.

"I am confident that he will continue to serve the community with professionalism and dedication in his new capacity," she said.