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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, has encouraged New Zealand's environmental technology and renewable energy companies to look for business opportunities in Asia via Hong Kong.
Mr Tsang made the comments after visiting Auckland's state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant today (September 12).
During his three-day trip to New Zealand, Mr Tsang has consistently told audiences that Hong Kong considers New Zealand a role model for renewable energy and environmental technologies.
He has urged such companies to make use of Hong Kong to explore new opportunities in China and the rest of Asia where environmental protection, sustainable development and quality of life issues are becoming more important.
During a visit to the NZ$450 million (HK$2.43 billion) Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant, Mr Tsang was told that new technology used at the plant had reduced the water treatment cycle from 21 days to 13 hours.
The facility includes the world's largest ultra-violet disinfection facility to kill viruses and bacteria. This eliminates the need for chlorination which itself can cause environmental problems.
The consolidation of treatment facilities and demolition of old plants using outdated technology had also freed up 500 hectares of land which had been restored to its original coastal marine environment and had become a haven for birdlife.
Gas generated during the water treatment process is also used to offset the facility's power requirements.
"New Zealand is renowned for its high environmental standards and its use of new technologies to protect the environment," he said
"Hong Kong can learn much from New Zealand's record in this regard and that also translates to business opportunities for New Zealand companies in our city and elsewhere in Asia."
"I am especially impressed at how they have rehabilitated former sludge pits into bird habitats that are now important breeding grounds for migratory birds, including an endangered species."
Also today, Mr Tsang encouraged New Zealand wine makers to use Hong Kong as a stepping stone to promoting their products in Asia, particularly in China where demand for quality wine was increasing.
Mr Tsang made the suggestion following a visit to the production facilities of leading New Zealand wine producer, Villa Maria, near Auckland.
Villa Maria has been judged one of the world's top 50 wine producers by industry media, while the company has been a consistent winner of awards for its wines, which include the chardonnay and pinot noir varieties.
Mr Tsang left Auckland earlier today and is due back in Hong Kong tonight.
Ends/Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:15
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