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Government efforts in the promotion of local community economy (LCE) have borne fruit, having created more than 2 500 direct job opportunities, the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, said today (January 1).
Mr Tung made the remarks after visiting the Sheung Wan Gala Point (Tai Dat Tei) and the Sheung Wan Promenade Bazaar, two LCE projects initiated by the Central and Western District Council and materialised through the concerted efforts of various Government departments.
"These projects feature the characteristics of the district and attract many visitors to the area, bringing more business to shops and restaurants in the vicinity," Mr Tung said.
"The Sheung Wan Gala Point is a good example. Since it started operation last October, some shops and restaurants in the vicinity have seen a significant increase in business turnover," he said.
Briefing Mr Tung on the plans for the coming year, the Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho, said the Home Affairs Bureau and Home Affairs Department were working closely with the District Councils with a view to launching more LCE initiatives.
He told Mr Tung that at least 10 key projects were in the pipeline. These include the "Park-to-Park Ride from Sha Tin to Tai Po", "Tour to the Five Beaches in Tuen Mun", "Enhancement and Clustering of Attractions in Central and Western District" and "Revitalization of Lau Fau Shan". The projects are estimated to provide about 1,000 more job opportunities.
The Chief Executive said: "Although each project is not large in scale, the cumulating economic and social benefits are substantial. Residents will have a better understanding of Hong Kong through these projects, helping to build a more harmonious society."
During his visit to Tai Dat Tei, a public venue for shopping, eating and entertainment, Mr Tung briefly stopped at a wooden handicraft shop and a snack stall, and chatted with the shop owners and some of the customers.
Mr Tung walked round the eating zone and sampled some traditional Chinese snacks before moving to the Sheung Wan Promenade Bazaar nearby.
He performed an eye-dotting ceremony for a lion dance performance and took a walkabout at the bazaar to see various stalls selling handicrafts and arts items.
Also joining the visit were the Central and Western District Council Chairman, Mr Wu Chor-nam, the Chairman of the Central and Western District Council Working Group on Tourism and Promotion of LCE, Mr Kam Nai-wai, and the District Officer of Central and Western District, Mr Paul Wong.
End/Wednesday, January 1, 2003
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