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Following is the speech by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, at the Eco Expo Asia 2013 opening ceremony at AsiaWorld-Expo today (October 28):
Fred, Mr Su, ladies and gentlemen,
I am really delighted to join you this morning for the opening of the eighth Eco Expo Asia. The Environment Bureau is honoured to co-organise this unique environmental trade event. To tackle various environmental challenges, we probably need three things - people like you, policies for the Government and practices for business.
First of all, it is about people who care about the environment. I welcome all of you, especially friends from 50 countries and economies who had travelled a long way to join us. I am also highly grateful for the strong support from the Mainland authorities at central, city and provincial levels. This year, as Fred said, we have some 30 delegations from the Mainland and Macau, with a total of over 160 delegates attending this event. Apart from taking part as exhibitors and buyers, they will also introduce the latest technologies, policies and business opportunities in the Mainland at the Eco Asia Conference.
Secondly, let me update you about policies in Hong Kong. Since a year ago, we have achieved a number of important things. We have launched two key blueprints to map out clear targets and work plans for air quality and also waste management. On the issue of air quality, a landmark initiative is to allocate up to US$1.5 billion (i.e. over HK$10 billion) for phasing out all the old pre-Euro IV diesel commercial vehicles in Hong Kong. That would greatly enhance the roadside air quality in Hong Kong. This involves a fleet of 85,000 vehicles and we have been working closely with the trade, in particular the transport trade, over a few months on it. This is a very good example to demonstrate that the private sector can work with the Government and society as a whole to play an important role in making Hong Kong greener and better. On the issue of waste, I am glad to note that our policy emphasis has been fully reflected in this year's Eco Expo, with solid waste management as the main theme. Our ongoing four-month public engagement on quantity-based waste charging would have considerable discussion as it affects everyone in the community. Definitely, Hong Kong is going to invest much more on waste reduction, including various waste infrastructures on recycling and other waste-to-energy facilities in the coming years.
Last but not least are enhanced public awareness on waste management and related problems that we are facing. We appreciate that more than 50 companies or organisations have set up booths to showcase the latest waste management practices and technologies from around the world. I also look forward to the sharing of international experience and practices at the Eco Asia Conference, with waste management as one of the thematic topics.
This year's Eco Expo also includes energy efficiency and green buildings. As announced in last year's Policy Address, I am chairing a steering committee to promote green building policies and practices in Hong Kong. We are now working with various stakeholders to chart out the best ways and strategies for Hong Kong.
Ladies and gentlemen, no matter whether you are from Hong Kong or abroad, from the public or private sector, or from the professional sector, we would like to assure you that this is the best platform for networking with the relevant people, for understanding the latest policies in Hong Kong and the Mainland, and for building up green business opportunities here. Last but not least, I highly recommend all of you to visit our Waste Management Corridor in the Hong Kong Pavilion. Let me close by wishing you a fruitful and inspiring event in Hong Kong.
Thank you.
Ends/Monday, October 28, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:29
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