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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, on the Hong Kong section of GuangzhouˇVShenzhenˇVHong Kong Express Rail Link at a stand-up session this morning (October 9) after attending the High Speed Rail Symposium (English portion):
Reporter: (Compensation package for those affected)
Secretary for Transport and Housing: I think the express rail link is definitively a strategic project. To proceed expeditiously, I think, is the community's consensus. It is important that we tap into the Mainland national railway high speed network as soon as possible. So in this regard, I think a smooth and speedy resolution of the land clearance issue is in everybody's interest. What we are doing now is to continue to listen to the views of the villagers, as well as to look at the packages we have in hand. What we would like to do is, of course, to give them options, to respect their ways of living, and to allow them to exercise options in such a way that, on the one hand, it is a reasonable use of public funds, on the other hand, the villagers will feel that it is acceptable.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)
Ends/Friday, October 9, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:05
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