Policy Address

Mr President,

A.        Introduction

1.         Last year, I delivered the first Policy Address of the Third Term Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).  It set out a five-year blueprint for the Government.

Governance Review
Progressive Development

2.         In that Policy Address, entitled “A New Direction for Hong Kong”, I advocated  “Progressive Development” as a core value of our governance.  This includes promoting economic development as our primary goal, promoting economic development through infrastructure projects, promoting community development through the revitalisation of historic and built heritage, and promoting social harmony under the concept of helping people to help themselves.  We have been implementing these pledges over the past year.

3.         The large-scale infrastructure projects are coming on line.  The construction start dates for most of the transport infrastructure projects have been fixed, and there has been significant progress in cross-boundary infrastructure projects.  Design of the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link is under way.  A consensus has been reached on financing arrangements for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.  We expect works to start by 2010.  We have been examining ways to enhance co-operation between Hong Kong International Airport and Shenzhen Airport, and to develop the Lok Ma Chau Loop.

4.     The West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) is an important strategic project that will support Hong Kong's development as a creative economy and global metropolis.  The Legislative Council has approved the bill and funding application for this project.  The WKCD Authority will be established soon to steer the project.  We have also decided that the Government should fund the construction of the Kai Tak cruise terminal and will submit detailed proposals in phases to the Finance Committee for approval.  We expect works to start in 2009 and aim to complete the first berth in 2013.

5.    The concept of “Progressive Development” represents sustainable, diversified and balanced development.  Last year we achieved substantial progress in striking a balance between economic development and environmental conservation.  We signed the new Scheme of Control Agreements with the two power companies.  This means lower electricity tariffs for the public.  This also means that the power companies will reduce emissions through an incentive and penalty mechanism.  In August, with the support of the Central Government, we secured a continuous and stable supply of clean fuel from the Mainland.  This, in turn, will help improve the air quality in Hong Kong.

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