*********************************************************
Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the grand opening ceremony of the Hong Kong International Airport Midfield Concourse today (March 31):
Let me now say a few words in English.
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to join you all today to witness the full commissioning of the Midfield Concourse of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). This world-famous airport is our pride and one of the most valuable assets of Hong Kong. It is an important infrastructure connecting Hong Kong to all around the world, as well as an engine for our city's economic growth. The outstanding achievement of HKIA today is attributable to the collective efforts of the airport's business partners, the aviation services sector, the relevant government departments and every stakeholder in society.
With the addition of the Midfield Concourse, the HKIA will be able to handle an additional 10 million passengers per annum, which is essential in enabling us to cope with the growing demand for aviation services before the implementation of the three-runway system. In order to maintain Hong Kong's economic competitiveness and its status as a global aviation hub, the case for the three-runway system is clear. Upon completion, it will enhance HKIA's landing capacity, substantially increasing the capacity for passengers by 1.5 times and that for cargoes by two times.
Lastly, may I take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to all involved in this project and congratulate the Airport Authority on the full operation of the Midfield Concourse.
Thank you very much.
Ends/Thursday, March 31, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:19
NNNN
MP4 format