kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SDEV begins visit to Beijing (with photos)
6.5.2019

The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, started his visit programme in Beijing today (May 6), meeting with officials of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Water Resources to foster closer ties and exchanges with the Mainland authorities. In the morning, Mr Wong first met with the Director of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, Mr Zhao Gang, to discuss Hong Kong's participation in the Mainland's foreign aid construction projects. He then had a meeting with the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Mr Ni Hong, to discuss matters relating to mutual recognition of professional qualifications under the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), Hong Kong's participation in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as the preparation of next year's Mainland and Hong Kong Construction Forum. In the afternoon, Mr Wong met with the Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Mr Wang Qian. They exchanged views on promoting mutual recognition of professional qualifications for planners, and sought to enhance exchanges between professionals of the two places. Mr Wong also met with the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Jiang Xuguang, to exchange views on water resources management, allocation of Dongjiang river basin water resources, Dongjiang water supply agreements and flood prevention work. Accompanying Mr Wong on the visit are the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Lam Sai-hung, and the Deputy Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Francis Chau. Mr Wong will call on the Ministry of Commerce and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council tomorrow. He will return to Hong Kong tomorrow night.
SDEV to visit Beijing
4.5.2019

The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, will depart for Beijing tomorrow afternoon (May 5) to meet with officials of Mainland ministries with policy portfolios relating to the work of the Development Bureau. On May 6, Mr Wong will call on the China International Development Cooperation Agency, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Water Resources. On the following day, he will visit the Ministry of Commerce and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council. Mr Wong will depart for Hong Kong in the evening on May 7. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Development, Mr Liu Chun-san, will be the Acting Secretary for Development.
SDEV speaks to the media
11.4.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, at a media session before attending the special meeting of the Legislative Council Finance Committee today (April 11): Reporter: Will the Government stop processing some of these applications while considering whether to lodge an appeal regarding this case (judicial review of the Small House Policy)? Secretary for Development: I think we have said quite clearly that for applications concerning private treaty grant and land exchange, we will not receive further applications and we will also not process further applications during the period when we are considering whether we should lodge an appeal. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SDEV speaks to the media
23.3.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks at a media session by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, after attending a radio programme this morning (March 23): Reporter: Only 30% of the residential land of the Lantau Tomorrow Vision project will be private housing. Will it be enough to breakeven the $624 billion price tag? Secretary for Development: On the calculation of land revenue, if using the lower bound, which is basically around 45,000 private residential units. Basically, we use that as a basis for speculating upon the revenue from land sale in the future. So in doing that calculation, we've already factored in the fact that 70 per cent of the residential units on (the artificial islands near) Kau Yi Chau will be public housing. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SDEV speaks to the media
20.3.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks at a media session by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, after the Legislative Council meeting this morning (March 20): Reporter: How do you respond to criticism that you are misleading public by making the estimate of $624 billion not using MOD (money-of-the-day) and not calculating interest rates? Secretary for Development: The figures are open for everyone to see. Actually, as I said over radio interviews this morning, if I tell you something is worth $10,000 after 10 years, it may not mean much. But if I say, it equates to $3,000 now, then it means something. That's what we do. For the MOD (money-of-the-day), if you listen to some of the experts yesterday, before we have a detailed payment schedule, it is actually impossible to work out the MOD figures. Another point, which is also important, is that basically we are looking at future inflation. If you look at inflation, it would not just affect cost and expenditure, it would also affect revenue and income. If our past experience is of any guide, actually the increase in the value of land in the past is usually quicker than the rise in inflation. But if we assume both are the same, our conclusion is still true. Our conclusion is that the cost arising from the 1 000-hectares reclamation of Kau Yi Chau and the related transport infrastructure projects would not deplete our public coffers. And my last point is this, if you look at our public expenditure and our ability to pay, this year, if you look at the Budget, our total public expenditure already exceeds $600 billion. In a few years' time, it will reach $800 billion. So if you look at our ability to pay for public infrastructure, it's also increasing. So, we think it is very meaningful to talk about issues in real terms. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SDEV visits Kowloon City District (with photos)
5.3.2019

The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, visited Kowloon City District this afternoon (March 5) to learn more about the latest planning and development plan for the district. He also met with local District Council members to exchange views on district matters. Accompanied by the Chairman of the Kowloon City District Council, Mr Pun Kwok-wah, and the District Officer (Kowloon City), Mr Franco Kwok, Mr Wong first went to the rooftop of a building overlooking the old and new districts of Kowloon City. He was briefed by the Managing Director of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), Mr Wai Chi-sing, and the Director (Planning and Design) of the URA, Mr Wilfred Au, on details of the latest redevelopment plan for the district. The URA commenced the Kai Tak Road/Sa Po Road Development Scheme in Kowloon City last month, taking forward urban renewal by adopting a "planning-led" approach. The project, with provision of a split-level sunken plaza, will emerge as a connecting point between the older part of Kowloon City and the new Kai Tak Development Area. Proposed revamping works include providing public car parking spaces and improving the pedestrian walking environment. While alleviating traffic problems in the district and enhancing walkability and connectivity between the old and new districts, it will also inject the vibrancy of the Kai Tak area into the old district. Before concluding his visit, Mr Wong met with members of the Kowloon City District Council to listen to their views and suggestions on the work of the Government. They also exchanged views on issues of concern to local residents.
Appointments to Community Involvement Committee on Greening
1.3.2019

The Development Bureau announced today (March 1) the appointment of 17 non-official members to the Community Involvement Committee on Greening (CICG) by the Secretary for Development for a term of two years from March 1, 2019. Eight incumbent members were re-appointed. The nine new members are Dr Johnnie Chan Chi-kau, Ms Chan Man-kuen, Mr Cheng Ka-ho, Mr Cheung Yung-pong, Dr Jeffrey Hung Oi-shing, Ms Una Lau Yuk-min, Mr Lo Cheuk-man, Dr Angie Ng Ying-sim and Miss Poon Wing-yi. The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, said, "The work of the CICG is very important to the promotion of our greening efforts. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the four outgoing non-official members, Ms Chick Hiu-lai, Mr Alkin Kwong Ching-wai, Ms Dorothy Tang Shun-wai and Ms Wong Kit-lin, for their contributions to the Committee." The CICG, chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), comprises members from different background to identify measures to encourage quality greening and to nurture a culture of tree care through public education and community involvement activities. The appointments were published in the Government Gazette today. The membership of the new term of the CICG is set out below: Chairman ---------- Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) Non-official Members --------------------------- Dr Johnnie Chan Chi-kau Ms Amy Chan May-ho Ms Chan Man-kuen Mr Cheng Ka-ho Dr Samuel Cheng Kin-tak Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan Mr Cheung Yung-pong Dr Jeffrey Hung Oi-shing Ms Una Lau Yuk-min Mr Christopher Law Kin-chung Mrs Miranda Leung Chan Che-ming Mr Lo Cheuk-man Dr Angie Ng Ying-sim Miss Poon Wing-yi Mr Matthew Sin Kar-wah Ms Ann So Lai-chun Mr Yiu Vor Official Members ------------------ Secretary for Education or representative Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation or representative Director of Civil Engineering and Development or representative Director of Environmental Protection or representative Director of Home Affairs or representative Director of Housing or representative Director of Leisure and Cultural Services or representative Deputy Secretary (Works)1, Development Bureau
SDEV visits Kwai Tsing District (with photos)
18.2.2019

The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, visited Kwai Tsing District this afternoon (February 18) to learn more about the latest developments and needs of the community. He also met with local District Council members to exchange views on district matters. Accompanied by the Chairman of the Kwai Tsing District Council, Mr Law King-shing, and the District Officer (Kwai Tsing), Mr Kenneth Cheng, Mr Wong first called at Cheung Ching Estate in Tsing Yi to gain a better understanding of the proposed future planning and development plan for Ching Hong Road North and its adjoining areas. This includes a public housing development, reprovisioning of the Cheung Ching Community Centre, and exploring the "single site, multiple use" model for multi-storey developments on government land to provide more community facilities and make optimal use of land resources. He then proceeded to the Pok Oi Hospital Dental Service Support Base in Cheung Ching Community Centre. He toured the facilities of the Support Base and chatted with elderly people there to learn about their daily lives and needs. Before concluding his visit, Mr Wong met with members of the Kwai Tsing District Council to listen to their views and suggestions on the work of the Government. They also exchanged views on issues of concern to local residents.
SDEV visits North District (with photos)
25.1.2019

The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, visited North District today (January 25) and met with local District Council members to exchange views on district matters. He also visited the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) Leadership Institute. Accompanied by the District Officer (North), Mr Chong Wing-wun, Mr Wong first met with the Chairman of the North District Council, Mr So Sai-chi, and local District Council members to gain a better understanding of the latest developments and needs of the district, and listen to members' views and suggestions on the work of the Government. He then proceeded to the HKFYG Leadership Institute. Located at the Former Fanling Magistracy, the institute is one of the projects under Batch III of the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme. It comprises five schools and provides leadership training to young people with a view to enhancing their communication skills, perspectives and social responsibilities. Mr Wong toured the facilities of the institute, such as former courtrooms and prison cells which have been converted into meeting rooms and multi-function rooms, as well as the accommodation lodge. He was briefed by young cultural ambassadors on the history and architectural merits of the old magistracy, and details of the restoration and revitalisation of this Grade 3 historic building. The HKFYG Leadership Institute was soft launched in December last year and will be officially opened in March this year.
SDEV attends opening ceremony of Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival (with photos)
5.1.2019

The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, today (January 5) attended the opening ceremony and related activities of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, together with a delegation of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries. This annual large-scale ice and snow festival covers a wide range of activities, including exhibitions of ice and snow sculptures, an ice lantern garden party, and different kinds of winter sports programmes such as an ice hockey tournament and swimming and skiing competitions. Mr Wong first officiated at the launch of a youth ice hockey game between Hong Kong and Harbin this morning. The Hong Kong team, comprising 14 young players aged 10 and 11, was invited to compete in the International Youth Ice Hockey Invitational Tournament held during this year's ice and snow festival. The young players were also set to face a youth ice hockey team from Seoul, Korea today. He then attended the opening ceremony of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival with the delegation of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries. On arrival in Harbin yesterday (January 4), Mr Wong attended a dinner hosted by the Mayor of Harbin, Mr Sun Ze, for visiting Hong Kong entrepreneurs. Mr Wong will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (January 6).
SDEV to visit Harbin
3.1.2019

The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, will depart for Harbin tomorrow (January 4) to attend the opening ceremony and related activities of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, together with a delegation of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries. On arrival, Mr Wong will attend a dinner hosted by leaders of the Harbin Municipal Government and a variety show afterwards. On January 5, he will officiate at the launch of a youth ice hockey game between Hong Kong and Harbin, visit the Harbin International Snow Sculpture Art Expo and attend the opening of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. Mr Wong will return to Hong Kong on January 6. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Development, Mr Liu Chun-san, will be the Acting Secretary for Development.
Appointments to Urban Forestry Advisory Panel
30.12.2020

The Development Bureau (DEVB) announced today (December 30) that 19 non-official members have been appointed to the Urban Forestry Advisory Panel (UFAP) for a term of two years from January 1, 2021. The new non-official members are Professor Chu Lee-man, Mr John Ho Kin-chuen, Professor Anthony Leung Kwan, Mr Chiky Wong Cheuk-yuet, Dr Charles Wong Man-sing and Mr Yiu Vor. The re-appointed non-official members are Dr Paul Barber, Mr Chan Yun-cheung, Professor Chau Kwai-cheong, Professor Leslie Chen Hung-chi, Mr Kingsley Choi Lim-cho, Mr Mark Duntemann, Mr Kevin Eckert, Dr Billy Hau Chi-hang, Mr Evans Iu Po-lung, Mr Patrick Lau Hing-tat, Dr David Lau Tai-wai, Mr Ian Shears and Dr Wong Fook-yee. A spokesman for the DEVB said, "The UFAP comprises both local and overseas experts from different fields including urban forestry, plant science, engineering and landscape architecture related academics, professionals and experts, and will provide advice on urban forestry polices and initiatives from multiple perspectives." The spokesman also expressed his gratitude to Ms Cecilia Cheung So-mui, Mr Frank Rinn and Dr Wang Xiaoming, the three outgoing non-official members of the UFAP. Appointed by the Secretary for Development, members of the UFAP advise the DEVB on urban forestry management strategies and an applied research and development regime, as well as positive capacity building initiatives for the arboriculture and horticulture industry. The membership of the new term of the UFAP is set out below: Chairman ----------- Head of Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section, DEVB Non-official members ----------------------- Dr Paul Barber Mr Chan Yun-cheung Professor Chau Kwai-cheong Professor Leslie Chen Hung-chi Mr Kingsley Choi Lim-cho * Professor Chu Lee-man Mr Mark Duntemann Mr Kevin Eckert Dr Billy Hau Chi-hang * Mr John Ho Kin-chuen Mr Evans Iu Po-lung Mr Patrick Lau Hing-tat Dr David Lau Tai-wai * Professor Anthony Leung Kwan Mr Ian Shears * Mr Chiky Wong Cheuk-yuet Dr Wong Fook-yee * Dr Charles Wong Man-sing * Mr Yiu Vor Official members ------------------ Head of Tree Management Office, DEVB Representative of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Representative of Highways Department Representative of Housing Department Representative of Leisure and Cultural Services Department * New non-official members
SDEV speaks to media on quarterly land sale programme for January to March 2021
29.12.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, at a media session today (December 29) on the quarterly land sale programme for January to March 2021: Reporter: Firstly, about the annual target for private residential flat, you said you are confident we are getting closer to the target, but would you worry that the tender could be rejected in the coming quarter considering economic downturn? Secondly, for the year, the revenue from the land sale is actually lower than last year. Looking forward to 2021, do you think we can have a rebound? Can I also ask a little bit about the Sham Shui Po century-old reservoir? Does the Government think it needs to be declared as a monument and do you have any idea on how it needs to be preserved? Secretary for Development: On the site at Bishop Hill, I think what we should now do is to await the evaluation by the experts who would then report to the AAB (Antiquities Advisory Board). The AAB will give a grading. Going forward, the Government will then consider what exactly to do with the site, having regard to AAB's recommendation. In terms of overall direction, we do have a stance. We believe the site should be preserved. It should not be further demolished, and what has been demolished should be restored. And then, we should find a purpose for the site, which not only reflects the historic value of the site but should also be able to further the enjoyment of the people of Sham Shui Po and of Hong Kong. There are many examples of success in the past. An example is our R-Scheme, the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme, which we are able to preserve the building, the structure or the site and at the same time allow the public to have reasonable access to the site and enjoy the site. That will be the direction going forward. Exactly what to do will have to be determined having regard to the recommendation of the AAB, on that I do not wish to speculate. Your question about the overall target, every year we take all sources of supply in the whole, and then we will come up with a figure which we hope can be as close or exceed the target as possible. For this year, at this moment where we are standing now, we are over 99 per cent completion of the target. We are not yet there. We are 30 units short of the target. Whether we can have those 30 units in the coming two months is something I do not wish to speculate but let's see what the market does. On the revenue side, there are land parcels to be sold in the coming quarter which will go into the figures for the entire financial year. That is something which will be announced in the financial budget, again I do not wish to speculate on that at this point in time. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Opening remarks by SDEV on land sale programme for January to March 2021
29.12.2020

Following is the transcript of the opening remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, at a media session today (December 29) on the land sale programme for January to March 2021: In the fourth quarter, the Government will sell by tender three residential sites, one each at the Peak, Kai Tak and Kwu Tung North New Development Area. Together, these sites are capable of providing about 2 240 flats. The site on Mansfield Road at the Peak will be able to provide around 135 units. The Kwu Tung North site is the first site to be sold by tender in the Kwu Tung North New Development Area, and is capable of providing about 1 330 units. The site at Kai Tak is capable of providing about 775 units. The MTR Corporation Limited plans to sell by tender in the fourth quarter Package 6 of the Wong Chuk Hang Station project, which will produce about 750 units. In addition, five private development and redevelopment projects are expected to complete their lease modification processes in the fourth quarter and will produce a supply of 1 815 units. Taking all sources of private housing land supply into account, the total supply in the fourth quarter would be about 4 800 units, the highest amongst the four quarters. Together with the supply of about 8 070 units from the first three quarters, the total private housing land supply of the financial year will reach about 12 870 units, which is very close to our annual target of 12 900. As regards commercial land, we will sell by tender in the fourth quarter the Caroline Hill Road site in Causeway Bay, providing about 100 000 square metres of gross floor space. Looking ahead, the Government will continue to increase land supply through a multi-pronged approach to meet the housing, economic and social development needs of our community. Thank you.
SDEV speaks to media
5.12.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks at a media session by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, after attending a radio programme this morning (December 5): Reporter: Mr Wong, there are suggestions that the Lantau Tomorrow Vision project should be using a BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) financing model. There are suggestions that if the private sector doesn't think that the Lantau Tomorrow Vision project is a commercially viable project, then the Government should not go ahead with it, what do you think of this idea? Secretary for Development: We have said publicly very clearly that in the course of the coming study, we will look very carefully at the financial aspects, including different financing models. So, I think the Government would take a decision when all the data have come in. We will look at them scientifically, rationally, and also we will discuss with the community before finalising on any specific proposals. I also said yesterday that we do not exclude the possibility that it might be more than one approach. So it would be a combination of approaches. It could be possible. But exactly what model would be adopted would have to be considered after the study have been done. Reporter: Including BOT? Secretary for Development: Yes. BOT, Rail-plus-Property and tendering of the development rights are options that have been raised by different quarters of the community. In the course of the coming study, all of those options will be considered very carefully. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)