The Chief Secretary for Administration and Chairman of the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA), Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, met the media regarding the Final Report of the Public Consultation Exercise on the Hong Kong Palace Museum Project today (May 9). He was joined by the Chief Executive Officer of the WKCDA, Mr Duncan Pescod; the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Betty Fung; and members of the WKCDA Board Mr Chris Ip and Dr Kan Tai-keung. Following is the opening remarks by Mr Cheung:

     Let me say a few words in English.

     Members of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Board were briefed on the Final Report of the Public Consultation Exercise on the Hong Kong Palace Museum Project this afternoon.

     After careful deliberation, the Board unanimously accepted the Report and has given the green light for the Authority to take the project forward by preparing the Collaborative Agreement with the Palace Museum in Beijing for the Board's further consideration.

     The Authority noted that the views collected through this exercise demonstrate clearly that there is strong support for the project to go ahead. The consultation also provided a wide range of useful suggestions on how to take the project forward and build a world-class museum.

     This project will be one of the most important steps to take to fulfil our vision of facilitating and enhancing cultural exchange and co-operation between Hong Kong, the Mainland and the world, as well as to enhance appreciation of a diverse range of art forms. It is also an invaluable opportunity for us to showcase our commitment to develop the West Kowloon Cultural District into a world-class integrated arts and cultural district comprising local, traditional and international elements.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:09

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