In response to media enquiries about the launch of the Harbour Business Forum (HBF) today (June 2), a spokesman for the Government gave the following reply:
"We welcome the launch of HBF and that it will work in collaboration with the Government and contribute to the Government's continuous efforts to promote sustainable development of Victoria Harbour and harbour-front areas.
The Government has all along attached importance to the protection and preservation of the harbour, and has been the driving force behind its overall planning. This is illustrated by the Vision Statement for the harbour drawn up by the Town Planning Board in 1999, the commissioning of the Hong Kong 2030 Study, the Government's decision to set up the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee (HEC) and HEC's endorsement of a set of Harbour Planning Principles and its recent commencement of a Harbour Plan Review which will formulate a revised Integrated Harbour Planning Framework covering different areas around the harbour.
Continuous efforts will be devoted to the protection of the harbour. The improvement of harbour-front areas is of equal importance. Harbour-front enhancement initiatives will be identified and promulgated to enhance both the vibrancy and vitality of the harbour.
In addition, it is the common goal and and in the interests of the Government, the business sector and non-governmental organisations to work hand-in-hand to promote the enhancement and sustainable development of the harbour and harbour-front areas.
To foster a genuine partnership and full participation by the people of Hong Kong, the Government and HEC look forward to having a constructive and continuous open dialogue with HBF and other concerned interest groups and professional organisations in the enhancement of Victoria Harbour."
Ends/Thursday, June 2, 2005
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