Traditional attire: Chief Executive Donald Tsang (front row, extreme right) poses for a group photo with other APEC Economic Leaders. He wears an olive green "Durumagi", a traditional Korean costume.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says thorough preparations must be in place to respond in a timely and appropriate manner in the event of an avian influenza outbreak.

Speaking at a meeting with leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation member economies today, Mr Tsang stressed the importance of preparedness for bird flu.

"Hong Kong has remained avian flu-free despite the occurrence of outbreaks in the poultry population in the region. We are well prepared for a possible outbreak of the disease," he said. 

The Chief Executive spoke on Hong Kong's preparatory measures, including drawing up and updating the preparedness plan for a flu pandemic, stepping up surveillance, establishing effective response mechanisms, reviewing infection-control measures, stepping up public education, and stockpiling antivirals.

"We also maintain effective communication and strengthen cooperation with international organisations and relevant authorities in other places, in particular our neighbouring places including the Mainland and Macau in the combat and control of infectious diseases.

"Infectious diseases know no boundaries. So global and regional collaboration is crucial," Mr Tsang said.

APEC flu-fighting initiative welcome

He welcomed the proposed APEC initiative on preparing for and mitigating an influenza pandemic under which member economies agree to work collectively and individually.

"We stand ready to contribute to the initiative," he said. 

The annual APEC economic leaders' meeting will be hosted by Vietnam next year.