The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mak Chai-kwong, said today (November 8) that development and conservation of the environment and heritage are equally important, and striking a balance between them would be an essential element for sustainable development.
Officiating at the opening ceremony of the 2007 Mainland and Hong Kong Construction Industry Forum in Changsha, Hunan Province, Mr Mak said economic growth had raised people's aspiration for quality of life. The fact that they held different views in the direction of urban development was a reflection of their values which varied with their experiences with urbanisation.
He said, "Different places in different periods of time have varied needs in urban development. The strategy of sustainable development has to be in line with time and place. The forum is to give the experts of both sides the opportunity to exchange experiences and views on urban design, planning and development models in Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas, with a view to inspire new ideas on sustainable development."
The forum is jointly organised by the Development Bureau, the Ministry of Construction, and the Changsha Municipal People's Government. The forum this year, 11th since its inception, carries the theme "Sustainable Urban Form: Planning and Development". Officiating guests of the opening ceremony include the Vice-Minister of Construction, Qi Ji, and member of the Standing Committee of the Hunan CPC and the Vice-Governor of Hunan Provincial People's Government, Xu Xianping.
Mr Mak said, "In the past, many people thought that the rapid development in Hong Kong was a miracle, and they raised queries about the development process of Hong Kong. These questions could be summarised into three aspects, urban planning and construction, urban management and operation, and urban conservation and renewal."
He pointed out that, the planning and construction in Hong Kong were about land use, urban layout and the concept of urban development.
He noted that due to the scarcity of land in Hong Kong maximising the use of land resources was the characteristic of urban development. During the period of rapid economic growth, an effective, efficient and high-return mode of development had met the development needs of the time.
On urban management and operation, Mr Mak said the urban transportation in Hong Kong, especially public transportation, was a success. Over 90 per cent of the 12 million daily passenger trips are made on public transportation.
He said, "The urban layout which puts the residential area, commercial areas, financial area and tourist area all under a convenient transportation network, has proved to be a success."
Mr Mak also pointed out that Hong Kong had made a lot of efforts in urban conservation and renewal.
He said, "Environmental impact assessments conducted in Hong Kong help to control and minimise the adverse effect on the environment during the development process. The application of sustainable construction methods minimise construction waste, and maximise re-cycle and re-use of materials. Meanwhile, concerted efforts are made to enhance the quality of environment, such as greening and energy efficiency."
Quoting the Chief Executive's Policy Address this October, Mr Mak said the Chief Executive would insist on promoting economic development as our primary goal, would insist that our development be sustainable, balanced and diversified, and would insist that development bring about social harmony, with different strata of people sharing the fruits. Cultural life is a key component of a quality city life. A progressive city treasures its own culture and history along with a living experience unique to the city.
The above remarks has pointed out the direction of urban form of sustainable development, Mr Mak noted.
The Hong Kong delegation consists of 180 members, which is the largest since the implementation of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA). There are also 120 participants from the Mainland.
After the forum the delegation will visit Changsha's infrastructure facilities on November 9. The Director of Architectural Services, Yue Chi-hang, will then lead 31 members of the Hong Kong delegation on a study mission to Zhuzhou and Zhangjiajie from November 9 to 11, where they will see the latest infrastructural and environmental protection developments. They will also explore opportunities for business co-operation in these areas between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
Officiating at the opening ceremony of the 2007 Mainland and Hong Kong Construction Industry Forum in Changsha, Hunan Province, Mr Mak said economic growth had raised people's aspiration for quality of life. The fact that they held different views in the direction of urban development was a reflection of their values which varied with their experiences with urbanisation.
He said, "Different places in different periods of time have varied needs in urban development. The strategy of sustainable development has to be in line with time and place. The forum is to give the experts of both sides the opportunity to exchange experiences and views on urban design, planning and development models in Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas, with a view to inspire new ideas on sustainable development."
The forum is jointly organised by the Development Bureau, the Ministry of Construction, and the Changsha Municipal People's Government. The forum this year, 11th since its inception, carries the theme "Sustainable Urban Form: Planning and Development". Officiating guests of the opening ceremony include the Vice-Minister of Construction, Qi Ji, and member of the Standing Committee of the Hunan CPC and the Vice-Governor of Hunan Provincial People's Government, Xu Xianping.
Mr Mak said, "In the past, many people thought that the rapid development in Hong Kong was a miracle, and they raised queries about the development process of Hong Kong. These questions could be summarised into three aspects, urban planning and construction, urban management and operation, and urban conservation and renewal."
He pointed out that, the planning and construction in Hong Kong were about land use, urban layout and the concept of urban development.
He noted that due to the scarcity of land in Hong Kong maximising the use of land resources was the characteristic of urban development. During the period of rapid economic growth, an effective, efficient and high-return mode of development had met the development needs of the time.
On urban management and operation, Mr Mak said the urban transportation in Hong Kong, especially public transportation, was a success. Over 90 per cent of the 12 million daily passenger trips are made on public transportation.
He said, "The urban layout which puts the residential area, commercial areas, financial area and tourist area all under a convenient transportation network, has proved to be a success."
Mr Mak also pointed out that Hong Kong had made a lot of efforts in urban conservation and renewal.
He said, "Environmental impact assessments conducted in Hong Kong help to control and minimise the adverse effect on the environment during the development process. The application of sustainable construction methods minimise construction waste, and maximise re-cycle and re-use of materials. Meanwhile, concerted efforts are made to enhance the quality of environment, such as greening and energy efficiency."
Quoting the Chief Executive's Policy Address this October, Mr Mak said the Chief Executive would insist on promoting economic development as our primary goal, would insist that our development be sustainable, balanced and diversified, and would insist that development bring about social harmony, with different strata of people sharing the fruits. Cultural life is a key component of a quality city life. A progressive city treasures its own culture and history along with a living experience unique to the city.
The above remarks has pointed out the direction of urban form of sustainable development, Mr Mak noted.
The Hong Kong delegation consists of 180 members, which is the largest since the implementation of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA). There are also 120 participants from the Mainland.
After the forum the delegation will visit Changsha's infrastructure facilities on November 9. The Director of Architectural Services, Yue Chi-hang, will then lead 31 members of the Hong Kong delegation on a study mission to Zhuzhou and Zhangjiajie from November 9 to 11, where they will see the latest infrastructural and environmental protection developments. They will also explore opportunities for business co-operation in these areas between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
Ends/Thursday, November 8, 2007
Issued at HKT 21:10
