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Canadian expertise in environmental technology and clean transport systems could be put to good use in Hong Kong, the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, said today (April 5, HK time) in Toronto.

Mr Tung said Hong Kong needed to improve its quality of life if it was to achieve the goal of becoming a World City in Asia.

"We recognise our weaknesses. And it is in these areas that we really must spend a lot of time and look elsewhere, to places like Canada, for ideas and inspiration and examples of best practice," Mr Tung told 900 guests at a lunch co-hosted by The Canadian Club of Toronto, the Hong Kong Canada Business Association (Toronto), the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Toronto.

"Hong Kong's need for environmental technology, especially the technology of clean transport, is more pressing than any other city.

"Already nearly 90 per cent of our passengers move around on public transport, but we need to make that transport a lot cleaner.

"Canada looks to have some of the most promising technology in this field. This would be a win-win partnership for both of us. I look forward to such a partnership developing rapidly."

Mr Tung said for six consecutive years Canada has been voted by the United Nations as the best place to live in the world.

He said Hong Kong had a lot to learn about environmental protection and environmentally-friendly technology.

"I am determined to learn in this respect so we can make Hong Kong that much more attractive a place in which to live," he said.

Following lunch, Mr Tung was briefed by Toronto city and Ontario provincial officials on environmental protection measures.

Ontario officials explained their 'Drive Clean' programme which requires cars older than three years to pass an annual exhaust emission test before being registered. The initiative is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 23,000 tonnes annually.

Cross-border air pollution, cleaner electricity alternatives and compulsory reporting of toxic emissions by industry were also discussed.

Mr Tung was told of Toronto's solid waste management system, which emphasises the 3Rs approach - reduce, reuse and recycle.

Sewage treatment facilities and technology, measures to reduce air pollution and public education programmes were also discussed.

Toronto city officials explained several initiatives including a successful and profitable newspaper recycling operation, waste separation schemes, the use or organic waste to generate electricity and promoting the use of bicycles as a clean transport alternative.

Following the briefings, Mr Tung boarded an environmentally-friendly hybrid electric bus, which runs on a combination of diesel and electric power and significantly reduces harmful emissions.

More than 230 North American cities and 20 European centres are now using the buses, produced by Orion Bus Industries. The company has been holding talks with Hong Kong transport operators with a view to exporting the buses to Hong Kong.

Photo 1 : The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, meets City of Toronto Mayor, Mr Mel Lastman, in Toronto.

Photo 2 : The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, delivers a keynote speech at a lunch in Toronto attended by 900 business, political, government and community leaders.

End/Wednesday, April 5, 2000

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