WK LO's LegCo Express
Oct 2023
1. Responses towards the Policy Address 2023
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered his second policy address at the LegCo on 25 Oct, setting out a range of initiatives to revive the economy, create opportunities and ensure long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. The Policy Address 2023 adopts more than 70 recommendations from the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, including "reducing the spiciness" of the property market, introducing a stamp duty suspension arrangement for incoming talents' acquisition of residential properties, reducing stock stamp duty, and vigorously developing the innovation and technology industry, retaining talents, etc. The measures of the Policy Address will help enhance the confidence of citizens and investors and boost the economy. I think it is a forward-looking and proactive report that would help Hong Kong realise a future as bright, energetic, competitive and prosperous as ever.
2. Bill passed for regulating disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products and enhancing existing producer responsibility schemes
On 18 Oct, the LegCo passed the Product Eco-responsibility (Amendment) Bill 2023 for regulating disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products, and for enhancing two existing producer responsibility schemes (PRS). The Amendment Bill prohibits the local sale of nine types of disposable plastic tableware and prohibits catering premises from providing customers with such products, with implementation carried out in two phases. It is proposed to implement the first-phase regulation from April 22, 2024. Being the Chairman of this Bill, I support the Government’s amendments and wish to establish a healthier and greener environment for future generations.
3. Funding projects approved at the PWSC meeting
On 25 Oct, a funding project of HK$1.3 billion was approved at the PWSC meeting for the reprovisioning of Kong Wan Fire Station, to vacate the existing site and pave the way for the Wan Chai North Redevelopment project, providing convention and exhibition facilities, hotel and Grade A offices. The project would be forwarded to the FC for final funding approval.
4. Meeting with young engineers from the HKIE
On 21 Oct, I led a delegation of young engineers from the HKIE to visit the LegCo. During the visit, I introduced to them the composition and operation of the LegCo, with a particular focus on the scrutiny of public works projects. We also had a fruitful exchange of views on various topics such as the opportunities and challenges within the engineering industry, carbon emission reduction strategies, and the planning of large-scale infrastructural projects. Being an engineer myself, I hold great expectations for these young professionals. I firmly believe that the future of Hong Kong significantly relies on their skills and dedication.
5. LegCo Panel on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports and Public Works Subcommittee conducted joint visit to Kai Tak Sports Park
As the Chairman of PWSC, I initiated a joint visit with the Panel on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports to the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) on 17 October to inspect its major venues to better understand the updated implementation progress. Members first visited the KTSP Experience Centre and received a briefing by the representatives of KTSP Limited on an overview of the KTSP project and its site model. Members also viewed KTSP’s construction site and visited the hospitality suite mock-up at the KTSP Experience Centre. Members noted that KTSP will provide modern and multi-purpose sports and recreation facilities. KTSP will not only allow the staging of more large-scale international sports events, but also provide the general public with leisure and sports facilities for community use. It is expected that the major facilities of KTSP will be completed by the end of 2024 by phases to allow the hosting of some of the events of the 15th National Games in Hong Kong in 2025.
