The Government announced today that Deputy Judiciary Administrator (Planning & Development) Winky So will take up the post of Permanent Representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on September 6.

She will succeed Laurie Lo, who has proceeded to pre-retirement leave.

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung said: “Miss So is a seasoned Administrative Officer with proven leadership and management skills. I have every confidence that she will continue to serve with professionalism in her new capacity.”

Miss So joined the administrative service in July 1996 and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1 in April this year.

She has served in various bureaus and departments, including the Correctional Services Department, the former Constitutional Affairs Bureau, the former Financial Services Bureau, the Chief Executive’s Office, the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Washington DC, the former Economic Development & Labour Bureau, the former Transport & Housing Bureau, the Home Affairs Department and the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Geneva.

She has been serving in her current post since October 2021.

Speaking of Mr Lo’s retirement, Mrs Yeung noted that he had rendered 32 years of loyal and dedicated service to the community of Hong Kong.

She said: “During his tenure as Permanent Representative of the Hong Kong SAR of China to the World Trade Organization, he has been playing an active and constructive part in the meetings and negotiations of the WTO, fully representing Hong Kong, China’s positions on WTO matters, and honouring Hong Kong’s commitment to upholding the rules-based multilateral trading system.”

She wished him a fulfilling and happy retirement.