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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (May 27):
Reporter: Chief Executive, will you be imposing a cap on the number of Mainland visitors? There have been reports that yesterday during a meeting with the Commission on Strategic Development that you suggested 20 per cent. But this wasn't well received. So, what is the Government's plan?
Chief Executive: We are at the stage of listening to the views of all sectors in Hong Kong, both at the community and the neighbourhood level and also at the level of business sectors, particularly sectors that are related to tourism. Tourism is an important part of Hong Kong's economy. The number of tourist arrivals from the Mainland has been increasing rather rapidly in the past few years. And that has exerted pressure on certain facilities, including our transport facilities, and also on certain neighbourhoods. And therefore the Hong Kong Government has been listening to views of various sectors and has been communicating with the Central Authorities and make sure that whatever we do, we arrive at a decision that is based on the complete understanding, a full understanding of the implications of any new policy.
Reporter: But did you make the suggestion for 20 per cent? Did you suggest they should reduce by 20 per cent?
Chief Executive: We discussed around the subject. Any new policy, I emphasise the word "any", any new policy, cannot be such a precise tool to fine-tune the number of tourist arrivals, whether it is an increase or decrease by any percentage. Thank you.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Issued at HKT 11:53
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