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Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the grand opening of Shark Mystique at Ocean Park today (June 26):
Chairman Dr Allan Zeman (Chairman of the Ocean Park Corporation (OPC)), Leo (Mr Leo Kung, Deputy Chairman of the OPC), Suzanne (Ms Suzanne Gendron, Foundation Director of the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong), Tom (Mr Tom Mehrmann, Chief Executive of the OPC), John (Mr Jonn Lu, Regional Director, Asia Pacific, Shark Savers and WildAid), ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. I am very pleased to be here with all of you to celebrate the grand opening of the Shark Mystique in Ocean Park. Ocean Park is a public recreational and educational park in Hong Kong, and of course also a very valuable asset in our tourism portfolio. I am honoured to join all of you to unveil this new attraction, which will further enhance the appeal of Ocean Park as a premier destination for both our local residents and visitors.
This brand new Shark Mystique is one of the largest shark exhibits in Asia. Visitors can enjoy a journey deep underwater to meet over one hundred sharks and rays, and discover their beauty from 360 degrees. I can imagine the experience will definitely be dynamic and exhilarating.
Most importantly, visitors can learn more about the threats faced by the endangered shark and marine species. In this respect, I am happy to say the Government is committed to the promotion of green living. To set an example in support of sustainability, we have taken out shark fin, bluefin tuna and black moss from the menus of official entertainment functions. This list of items will also be updated from time to time. I hope more people will join us by adopting a sustainability-conscious lifestyle.
Throughout the years, Ocean Park has been supporting Hong Kong's conservation and tourism development. On behalf of the Government, I would like to take today's opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr Allan Zeman for his invaluable contribution as the Chairman of the Board of the Ocean Park Corporation in the past 11 years. Under his outstanding chairmanship, Ocean Park has developed into a world-class marine-themed park and a proud asset of the Hong Kong people. The Park's annual attendance soared from 2.95 million to 7.73 million in the past 10 years, and the Park has won numerous awards including Asia's first Applause Award - the highest international accolade in the global theme park industry.
Dr Zeman has also laid a solid foundation for Ocean Park's future development. Thanks to Alan's strong foresight and clear vision, Ocean Park is now pressing ahead with significant new development plans, including most notably the all-weather waterpark at Tai Shue Wan and the Ocean Hotel, which are of enormous importance to the prospects of both the Park and Hong Kong's tourism industry. I understand that Dr Zeman will also continue his link with Ocean Park in an advisory capacity to help oversee the development of the new waterpark. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Leo Kung on his appointment as the new Chairman of the Board of the Ocean Park Corporation. With his profound commercial experience and expertise, and experience as the Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Ocean Park Corporation, I am sure Leo will continue to lead the Park to reach new heights of success.
Finally, I wish Ocean Park every success in the years ahead. May all of you enjoy the mysterious tour at the Shark Mystique. And we all look forward to seeing Dr Allan Zeman appearing on this stage. Thank you very much.
Ends/Thursday, June 26, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:15
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