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(Hong Kong, 15 January 2003) Mr Li Ka-shing, Chairman of Hutchison Whampoa (HWL), which owns H3G Italy, met with the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and personally presented him with the first Italian H3G SIM card. The SIM card represents the first ever number of a UMTS or third generation mobile service in Italy.

The presentation took place in a formal meeting held recently in Palazzo Chigi, Rome between the Prime Minister and Mr Li, who was accompanied by senior executives of Hutchison Whampoa and H3G, including Victor Li and Canning Fok.

During the meeting, the Prime Minster expressed great confidence in the prospects of 3G in Italy and warmly welcomed HWL's investments in H3G, which represents 40% of the foreign direct investments in the country in the 2001-2005 period. The Prime Minister also commented that Italy would always extend an open door to the Group to make further investments besides 3G.

In the past decade, HWL's overseas investments have expanded rapidly, encouraged in part by the positive reception of the 40 plus countries where the Group has businesses worldwide.

Hutchison Whampoa Chairman Li Ka-shing is warmly greeted by the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berslusconi at a recent meeting in Palazzo Chigi, Rome. Download (159 KB)

For further information, please contact:

Laura Cheung
Group Corporate Affairs
Tel: (852) 2128 1289
Fax: (852) 2128 1766
Website: www.hutchison-whampoa.com