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The Economic Development Commission (EDC), under the leadership of the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, held its ninth meeting at the Central Government Offices today (November 27).
The EDC was briefed on the development strategies for Lantau, including the overall spatial planning and conservative concepts, as well as the recreation and tourism development strategy. Members provided views on how to refine the strategies in light of the economic development of Hong Kong.
The EDC was also briefed on the work progress of its four working groups, namely the Working Group on Transportation (TWG); the Working Group on Convention and Exhibition Industries and Tourism (CETWG); the Working Group on Manufacturing Industries, Innovative Technology, and Cultural and Creative Industries (MICWG); and the Working Group on Professional Services (PSWG).
The TWG exchanged views on many issues concerning the development of the aviation and maritime industries in Hong Kong. It noted the findings of the feasibility study conducted by the Civil Aviation Department and supported the Government's proposal of setting up a civil aviation training institute in Hong Kong. On the proposal to promote the aerospace financing industry, the TWG noted the latest advice from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and would continue to follow up with the Government on possible initiatives to promote the industry in Hong Kong. The TWG also deliberated on the proposed institutional set-up of the new maritime body and discussed the opportunities for the maritime industry under the "Belt and Road" initiative.
The CETWG noted the latest progress of the feasibility study of the topside development at the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities Island of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, including the initial development concept and the constraints identified. The CETWG also noted and welcomed the development of a tourism node at Kai Tak as part of the Kai Tak Fantasy project.
The MICWG noted the work progress of the Advisory Group on Implementation of Fashion Initiatives, which was set up to advise on, guide and co-ordinate the implementation of a series of pilot measures to promote the development of the fashion industry. Meanwhile, the Expert Group on E-commerce set up under the MICWG to study the development potential of e-commerce in Hong Kong had continued to explore possible directions for facilitating e-commerce.
The PSWG, together with the Government and other stakeholders, had been reaching out to several emerging and potential markets in search of business opportunities for the Hong Kong professional service sectors, and trying out the integrated approach to promote different Hong Kong professional services as a package.
The terms of reference of the EDC are to provide visionary direction and advice to the Government on the overall strategy and policy to broaden Hong Kong's economic base and to enhance Hong Kong's economic growth and development, and, in particular, to explore and identify growth sectors or clusters of sectors which present opportunities for Hong Kong's further economic growth and recommend possible policy and other support for these industries.
The EDC is chaired by the Chief Executive and comprises five ex-officio members including the Financial Secretary, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, the Secretary for Development, the Secretary for Transport and Housing and the newly appointed Secretary for Innovation and Technology, as well as 22 non-official members. The Secretary for Innovation and Technology is also appointed as an ex-officio member of the MICWG.
Ends/Friday, November 27, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:46
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