At the 3-Day LegCo Debate on the 2013 Policy Address, I delivered three speeches totally 30 minutes covering the areas of economic development, housing and planning, and environment. I am pleased to forward to you the abstracts in English for your reference.
English Abstracts
1. Economic Development
The CE tried to depict his blueprint for the next five years, and stressed that “promoting economic development is the primary goal of the Government”. To this point, I agree. However, it is disappointing that the policy address fails to provide long-term economic development strategies and industrial policies. Large goals require farsighted policies. The Government must formulate balanced and clear industrial policies, with comprehensive measures to strengthen our pillar industries, to promote competitive industries, and to revitalize traditional industries. Also, the Government should make the best use of Hong Kong’s unique international experience and advantage to expand regional economic cooperation.
We must strive to promote Innovation and Technology industry. The Government should increase the investment in R&D, and promote the commercialization, industrialization and globalization of our technology products. The Government should promote regional cooperation, showing our edges in technology research, technology transfer, technology management, and technology financing.
Hong Kong's professional services, such as engineering, law, accounting, etc., also have strong competitive advantage. I look forward to the Budget announced by the Financial Secretary in end February, and hope to see the determination of the Government on promoting multi-facet industrial development.
2. Housing and Planning
I believe urban planning requires long-term vision. In the past decade, the Government has done too little to increase land reserve. While the current administration is trying hard to increase useable land, it is yet to map out a long-term and sustainable infrastructure development plan to support the blueprint. Infrastructural projects help increase local employment and business opportunities. They also boost other economic activities and improve livelihood of people. The Government must review and optimize the existing public consultation mechanisms, improve and simplify the process of urban planning, in order to effectively implement long-term infrastructure planning. I support the Government’s initiatives to increase the supply of public housings but I am concerned that the housing need of the middle class is overlooked. Regarding the aspect of transportation and its supporting facilities, the administration should consider docking with the Pan Pearl River Delta apart from studying the local situation. In the process of formulation and implementation of long-term infrastructure planning, Government must ensure timely allocation of needed resources and adequate provision of professional grades of in the civil services.
3. Environment
I support the initiatives announced in the Policy Address to improve air quality. However, the overall environmental protection policy is yet from meeting the expectation of the public. Regarding energy saving and emission reduction, we need to tackle them from two aspects: supply and demand. On the demand side, the Government should enforce energy efficient installations in all government buildings such as promoting the use of LED lighting products. The Government may consider setting up an Environmental Installations Loan Guarantee Fund to support Hong Kong companies in the installation of cleaner and energy efficient devices. On the supply side, the Government should develop a long-term strategy on cleaner fuel mix, taking into consideration various factors including environmental protection, safety, stability and pricing.
Promotion of the local environmental industry is scanty in the Policy Address. The development of circular economy is already a national strategy in the Mainland. The environmental industry in Hong Kong can become a bright spot in future under appropriate policies. The Government should formulate a sustainable development plan and set out the roadmap to make Hong Kong a Green City.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and prosperous Year of the Snake!
