Working Reports
WK Lo’s LegCo Express (March 2018)
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WK Lo’s LegCo Express
March 2018
1. Attended meetings of the CPPCC in Beijing
The annual session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) was held in early March in Beijing. I proposed to the CPPCC that in light of the new opportunities brought about by the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong could take an important role as international arbitration centre for resolving disputes that might be arising from related business and infrastructural contracts. Please visit the link below for my proposal:
2. Amendment to motion of “Establishing a comprehensive ‘re-industrialization’ policy regime”
I moved an amendment to the motion of “Establishing a comprehensive re-industrialization policy regime” at the LegCo meeting on 21 March. I urged the Government to conduct a timely review and elevate the positioning of the re-industrialization policy, with a view to upgrading the existing industrial policy regime led by innovation and technology to a comprehensive industrial policy regime which is more independent, forward-looking and systematic. The Government should also examine the role of industries in the local economic structure and societal development, and study the ‘external development’ feature of Hong Kong’s industries, with the aim of providing tax, skill, talent and market support for those offshore and onshore Hong Kong manufacturers engaging in manufacturing and production industries, thereby consolidating the economic foundation of Hong Kong and promoting the diversification of industries. The amendment was passed on 22 March. Please visit the link below for my amendment:
3. Raised question of grasping opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative
I raised an oral question at the LegCo council meeting on 28 March about how the government helps the enterprises grasp opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative. The government replied that it will enhance communication and co-operation with the Central Authorities, and take forward the various areas of work, which include promoting strategic partnership between Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises. The government has currently set up 12 overseas Economic and Trade Offices (ETOs) which cover a number of countries and regions along the Belt and Road, and it will further expand overseas ETOs network. Please visit the link below for my question and government’s reply:
4. Funding requests approved in the PWSC and the FC in March
On 19 March, the PWSC endorsed a funding request of HK$3.6 billion for the construction of Inland Revenue Tower in Kai Tak Development. The project site occupies an area of about 9 700 square meters at the northern fringe of Kai Tak Development. The proposed scope of works comprises the construction of a government office building and a footbridge connection to the adjacent Trade and Industry Tower. On 28 March, another funding proposal of HK$52.6 million was approved for the demolition of existing superstructures at Caroline Hill Road site, Causeway Bay.
On 23 March, the FC endorsed a funding request of HK$12.49 billion for the block allocation subheads under the Capital Works Reserve Fund for 2018-19. The block allocations arrangement underpins the delivery of capital works programme that provides funds for works departments to carry out pre-construction activities and enables the Government to respond more promptly to the need of the community at the district level.
5. Officiated at the opening ceremony of the WEEE·PARK
On 19 March, I officiated at the opening ceremony of the Government's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Treatment and Recycling Facility, WEEE·PARK, located at the EcoPark in Tuen Mun. WEEE·PARK has adopted advanced technologies and equipment for treating waste electrical and electronic equipment and turning the waste into reusable materials such as plastics and metals through a series of detoxification, dismantling and recycling processes. WEEE·PARK also refurbishes some serviceable electrical appliances for further donation to people in need for reuse.
6. Visited the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction Hong Kong Branch (CNERC)
On 20 March, I visited the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction Hong Kong Branch at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. I was briefed on the work progress of the CNERC since its establishment and its recent development as well as the major research projects. I appreciated the work of the CNERC and look forward to seeing its continued contribution to this important research area.