The Secretary for Development, Mr Paul Chan, gave a presentation on the direction of land development and the short and medium-term measures on housing and land supply introduced in Hong Kong during recent months at a seminar titled "Asia's World City: New Government, New Development" in Shanghai yesterday evening (December 13).
Mr Chan said, "The policy focus of the new Administration is to respond to society's needs and public concerns positively and efficiently." He noted that since mid-July, the Chief Executive has announced a series of measures to improve people's livelihoods in various policy areas such as housing, elderly care and transport facilities. He also outlined new development projects like Energizing Kowloon East and the Kai Tak Development and the progress made by infrastructure projects.
He conveyed the Government's concerns regarding Hong Kong people working, doing business or studying in China and pointed out that the Government would deepen its understanding of the subject and strengthen services provided on their behalf.
On future opportunities and challenges, Mr Chan said that the Government aims to serve people and enhance the quality of living under the principle of "focusing on people's livelihood and implementing policies pragmatically, diligently and appropriately".
The seminar was jointly held by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China.
Today (December 14) Mr Chan continued with his programme in Shanghai, beginning with a visit to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center this morning. Built in 2000 under the theme "City, People, Environment, Development", the Center aims to showcase Shanghai's achievements in planning and development. Mr Chan then met with the Director of Shanghai Planning, Land and Resources Administration Bureau, Mr Feng Jingming, who briefed him on Shanghai's latest developments in urban planning.
Mr Chan then visited 1933 Shanghai and The Bridge 8 in the afternoon to learn about the city's experience in conserving and transforming the two historic building compounds into sites for creative industries.
Originally a slaughterhouse run by the Shanghai Municipal Council, 1933 Shanghai was built and designed by British architects Balfours in 1933 using classic European and Art Deco architecture. 1933 Shanghai is listed as a Distinctive Historic Building by the Shanghai Municipal People's Government. It has now become a hub for creative industries and a centre for culture, leisure, entertainment and dining.
The Bridge 8 was converted from old factory buildings used by the Shanghai Automobile Brakes Company into a centre for outlets devoted to fashion and creativity. The revitalised buildings are linked by bridges connecting multiple creative industry tenants from China and overseas. The Bridge 8 draws together all kinds of companies in the creative industry sector. Authentic artworks are also showcased there.
Yesterday afternoon Mr Chan also met with professionals and representatives of chambers of commerce from Hong Kong to learn about their work in Shanghai.
Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (December 15).
Ends/Friday, December 14, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:03
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