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Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, on the proposed shopping centre at the border area after attending the Legislative Council meeting today (April 16):
Reporter: How useful will that mall actually be for it actually consisting of about 300 shops, and with the change of policy applying more restrictions now to Shenzhen residents? How useful will that mall actually be?
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: The "one trip per week" measure is really to deal with parallel trading. I think what Mr Wong (Ting-kwong) and the proponent of this project are looking at is to increase the capacity to receive tourists, and also to enhance the facilities in terms of providing shopping opportunities. It is really business opportunities for both the businesses as well as for the tourists to enjoy these facilities. So, I believe the proponent is still very optimistic about this project. The current plan, as I understand, will have 300 shops. I think this is a good pilot project and I would encourage projects of similar nature if this one is proven to be successful. Perhaps this mode of operation could be extended to other places and thereby increasing our tourist capacity.
Reporter: It may not be very attractive given the fact that it is just at the border and not much else nearby?
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: It is precisely because it is near the border that would be a lot more accessible to tourists across the border. That is the business model as I understand.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Thursday, April 16, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:03
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