The Secretary for Development, Mr Paul Chan, addressed the Symposium of Hong Kong-Barcelona Urban Exchange in Barcelona today (March 10).
Mr Chan said Hong Kong and Barcelona have much in common in urban regeneration and waterfront development. "The two cities are both striving to achieve the goal of balancing social, economic and environmental needs to make our cities enjoyable and sustainable for our and future generations."
"The needs and aspirations of our people are no longer just basic housing and employment. There is increasing aspiration for a socially embracive, environmentally friendly, economically vibrant and long-term sustainable development model," he said.
Acknowledging that planning and development should not be an activity owned just by the professionals in the field but everyone in the community, Mr Chan said it is vital to plan the city with the community and engage the public throughout the process.
He introduced to the audience the Energizing Kowloon East initiative and its place-making approach in transforming Kowloon East from an industrial area to an alternative central business district in Hong Kong. The approach emphasises on high-quality urban design, and active dialogues and engagement with the community.
The Hong Kong-Barcelona Urban Exchange aims at providing a platform for the two cities to exchange views and share experiences on urban planning, urban design, waterfront development and urban regeneration as a means to improve the quality of life and prosperity of its people.
During his stay in Barcelona, Mr Chan met with the Deputy Mayor of Barcelona, Mr Antoni Vives, and officials of the Government of the City of Barcelona and the Barcelona Regional to exchange views and share experiences on urban planning and harbourfront development. He also visited the Passeig de St Joan to learn about the integration of infrastructure and urban design elements.
Accompanying Mr Chan on the visit were the Director of Planning, Mr Ling Kar-kan, and the Head of the Energizing Kowloon East Office, Ms Brenda Au.
Mr Chan will be back to Hong Kong tomorrow (March 11).
Ends/Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:43
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