MR YIU SI-WING (in Cantonese): Deputy President, global warming is a common concern of countries all over the world. The Paris Agreement was signed in 2015 with an aim to reduce carbon dioxide emission with joint effort of the international community. Among the signatories, many developed countries have implemented policies to promote EVs in order to achieve the goal of emission reduction. China has also planned that by 2025, 20% (close to 7 million) of new vehicles put up for sale must be new energy vehicles. South Korea even plans to impose a complete ban on the sale of diesel vehicles. With a view to encouraging consumers to switch to EVs, many countries have formulated various policies for replacement of old and high-pollution vehicles, including giving tax concessions to car owners and allowance to EV manufacturers.

The SAR Government proposed in its 2009 Policy Address the strategy of promoting the use of EVs, in the hope that Hong Kong will become a place where EVs are widely used. In the Budget for the same year, the Government announced that it would examine the feasibility of providing re-charging facilities in government multi-storey car parks and explore ways of encouraging the business sector to set up such facilities. In May 2011, the Government amended the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines, stating its longer term target is that as far as private cars are concerned, 30% are EVs or hybrid by 2020, and EV standard charging facilities should be provided, where appropriate, in at least 30% of car parking spaces for private car in new car parks.

The implementation of the above policies, however, is not satisfactory over the years. According to the statistics of the Environmental Protection Department and the Transport Department, as at September 2017, the number of registered electric private cars was only 11 000, accounting for only 1.8% of registered private cars; and the number of EV charging facilities is only 1 774, representing an increase of merely 100% over the past six years. Given the current progress, we can tell that it is impossible to achieve the goals set by the Government. The Government's determination in implementing these policies is thus called into question.

In order to encourage citizens to use EVs, the Government should first dispel their worries by providing more incentives and implementing those measures in a well-planned manner. For example, one of the major reasons hindering the development of EVs, which is also most concerned by people, is the shortage of charging stations. The Government should undertake to install, within a target time frame, sufficient medium or quick charging stations in government buildings, suitable facilities and subsidized private housing estates across 18 districts.

Besides, the maintenance skills of EVs are not yet popular, which is another reason holding back the development of EVs. Currently, maintenance services for EVs are not available in ordinary repair shops. EV owners have to send their vehicles to the manufacturers for repair in case of breakdown by paying a higher maintenance cost, which may turn potential EV buyers away. I suggest the Government introduce courses on the structure and maintenance of EVs through the Vocational Training Council and include them in the Reimbursable Course List under the Continuing Education Fund. At the same time, grants should be provided to the relevant courses subsidized by the University Grants Committee. These measures not only create a new way out for graduates but also help in-service technicians adapt to product transformation, thus nurturing more talents to drive the development of the EV industry chain.

Actually, the authorities concerned understand most of our proposals well, and know how to solve those problems. I think the problem lies in the Government's lack of determination. The Secretary for the Environment has just mentioned that the Government would leave the matter to the market. However, problems that left to the market in fact cannot be solved by the market itself; they must be faced and solved by the Government with determination and more resources allocated. The Government must get rid of the obsession of Government-business collusion and should not fear that these policies would affect the public's impression on the Government or be considered collusion with the business sector. It should also not afraid of trouble, thinking that adding new facilities will need coordination of many departments, and lobbying may be needed if those departments fail to cooperate. I believe that the Government can only succeed with such an attitude. The problems relating to the EV development can only be solved with a proactive attitude.

With these remarks, Deputy President, I support the original motion and all the amendments