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Following is a transcript (English portion) of remarks made by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, at the stand-up session after the first meeting of the Task Force on Airport Co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen:
Reporter: (progress of the meeting)
Secretary for Transport and Housing: I think we have done very good progress today for the first meeting of the Task Force. We have basically agreed the work plan for the future. So we have set the parameters for our future co-operation. The specifics are: there will be a consultancy commissioned to look at the feasibility of this rail link between the Hong Kong International Airport and the Shenzhen Airport. We will strive to complete the consultancy within 2008. The other specific we have agreed is that we will set up two expert groups under this task force. One expert group will look at the railway, the other expert group will look at the business side, the co-operation between the two airports. So I think we have made very very good progress today.
Reporter: (rail alignment and cost for the project)
Secretary for Transport and Housing: It's important that we understand that we are now conducting the feasibility, that is the preparatory work before we have determined many issues, for example, the cost effectiveness, and the rail alignment between Hong Kong and Shenzhen airports. After these issues are determined, then we have the estimated costs as well as the timetable. I think the determination and sincerity of the co-operation is there. Subject to confirmation of the feasibility, of course, we hope that the project will get off ground as soon as possible.
Reporter: Have you discussed the division of funds?
Secretary for Transport and Housing: I think it is too early. Of course you know it is a commitment that both sides have made, so I think it is a subject that we will certainly discuss in due course.
Reporter: (cost and effectiveness)
Secretary for Transport and Housing: The cost effectiveness and economic benefit of this rail link, as well as its alignment and operation need to be determined by the feasibility of these issues.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)
Ends/Thursday, January 17, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:55
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