Speech by CS at HKIA Extra Mile project launching ceremony (with photos/video)
***************************************************************

     Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at the HKIA Extra Mile project launching ceremony this afternoon (January 16):
 
     This is really a win-win-win project. We are talking about creating shared value not only connecting with the community, helping our youngsters by providing quality employment in the long term, but also of course helping our children in terms of after-school care services so that their parents can focus on their work wholeheartedly, single-mindedly. The whole project has to be underpinned by passion, support and also dedication. That's why I want to pay warm tribute to Airport Authority (AA) and all the 15 strategic partners joining hands in making this project a reality.

     We are talking about not just benefiting the airport in terms of employment, but also the whole Tung Chung community and also ethnic minority groups in Hong Kong which deserve our help. In the short- and medium-term, we will have the government transport subsidy scheme, likely to be rolled out in a year's time, providing subsidy for every commuter in Hong Kong spending more than $400 on Octopus card for 25 per cent rebate, which means this will be another incentive to overcome the barrier of distance and transportation to work at the airport. And slightly longer term is in three to four years' time when the vehicular tunnel between Tuen Mun and Chek Lap Kok should be in operation. By then we can move the working population, particularly workforce in Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long and Tuen Mun, all the way to the airport island within 20 to 30 minutes without any disruption and traffic jam. All these will be happening in the next few years but it all boils down to collaboration, interaction and passion.

     On this note, I thank AA and everybody for helping this scheme and wish you every success. This will be a shining model for Hong Kong in terms of creating shared value.
 
     Thank you very much indeed.

Ends/Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:18

NNNN