Policy Address

F. Conclusion

119.       Mr President, almost half way through my tenure as the third-term Chief Executive, I am glad to report that most of the infrastructure projects and major policies that I announced in 2007 are well on schedule. The construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link will start by the end of this year. Design of the WKCD has also started. In addition, advance works for the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal are in progress. Construction of the MTR West Island Line commenced last July and is due for commissioning in 2014.

120.       As regards major policies, small class teaching is being rolled out as scheduled. This year, 65% of public sector primary schools are implementing small class teaching starting from Primary One. The Minimum Wage Bill was introduced into this Council in July this year. We have also made good progress with environmental protection. Hong Kong and Guangdong now share the common goal of developing the Greater PRD region into a green and quality living area. On heritage conservation, the community has responded positively to our various initiatives, and work on revitalising the first batch of six historic buildings is under way. The consultation exercise on healthcare financing, which has been deferred because of the threat of human swine influenza, will start soon. In the past year, we have resolved major policy, legal and technical issues concerning the Competition Bill and hope to introduce it into this Council within the current legislative session.

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