Tourism Sector

167.     Last year, I announced that the operation and regulatory framework of Hong Kong's tourism sector would be reviewed.  We then issued a consultation paper and are now considering the views received.  We will announce reform proposals by the end of this year.  On tourism infrastructure, Ocean Park is now actively studying the feasibility of building an all-weather Water World and supporting facilities at Tai Shue Wan, while Disneyland is exploring further expansion.  The new Kai Tak cruise terminal and its first berth will start operation in mid-2013.

Logistics

168.     To help the logistics industry provide high value services, we progressively make available long-term sites for the construction of modern logistics facilities.  The second logistics site at Tsing Yi is expected to be put up for open tender by the end of this year.  To satisfy the development needs of the industry, we will continue our efforts to identify sites for backup facilities.

169.     The Airport Authority has completed the public consultation on the airport's future development, including the construction of a third runway.  It will submit recommendations on the way forward in late 2011.

Competition Bill

170.     The Government has put forward the Competition Bill to protect consumer interests and maintain our competitive edge.  The Government has been working closely with this Council to assist the Bills Committee in scrutinising the Bill since its introduction in July last year.  I am aware that the business sector, in particular SMEs, have expressed concern about the Bill in its present form.  The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau will soon propose amendments to the Bills Committee.  I hope that the Bill will be enacted within the current legislative session.

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