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The Economic Development Commission (EDC) chaired by the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, held its 10th meeting at the Central Government Offices today (March 16).
The EDC was briefed on the multi-pronged strategy to increase land supply, including commercial and industrial land, and the latest progress of various initiatives for the short, medium and long term. For the benefit of Hong Kong's sustainable development in the future, Members offered views on possible ways to strike a balance between economic development and social aspirations whilst ensuring the creation of sufficient land capacity.
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 noted the latest initiatives of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) and the Civil Aviation Department in enhancing the capacity of the Hong Kong International Airport under the two-runway system. The TWG also noted that the AA has set up two task force teams to take forward the proposal of setting up a civil aviation academy in Hong Kong.
The CETWG exchanged views on the year plan of the Hong Kong Tourism Board for 2016-17, and supported the initiative to rebuild the positive image of Hong Kong as a safe and hospitable city as well as maximising Hong Kong's presence through digital tools, social media and more creative promotional concepts. In addition, the CETWG noted the latest work progress for the development of the Tourism Node at Kai Tak.
The MICWG exchanged views on the general landscape of micro-films and music videos in Hong Kong. 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 strategy and measures to further promote the development of e-commerce in Hong Kong.
The PSWG reviewed the results of the visits and business missions to several emerging and potential markets for services promotion and business exploration for the Hong Kong professional services sectors. The PSWG also deliberated on the progress of various initiatives and measures to enhance competitiveness of the sectors.
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.
Ends/Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:37
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