Promoting the economic development of Lok Ma Chau and Lantau Island (2014/1/8)

President, we can all witness the economic benefits brought about by tourism. Due to the lack of long-term planning by the Government for years, excessive tourists have affected the daily life of some local communities. As a result, some negative remarks have emerged which are intended to provoke Hong Kong-Mainland conflicts.

In the year 2013 which had just passed, the number of inbound visitors was estimated to be over 53 million arrivals. The influx of visitors coming to Hong Kong for consumption is a dream to many countries and regions, but this has now turned into a worrying problem for Hong Kong. In my view, the two measures to divert visitors proposed by Mr WONG Ting-kwong in this motion are practicable.

Let me begin with the business and shopping centre in Lok Ma Chau. The large flow of people around the Hong Kong-Mainland boundary will undeniably bring about numerous business opportunities. Take the two control points at Luohu and Futian in Shenzhen as an example. From the very beginning in its planning, the Mainland has already taken into account business activities and traffic diversion. Both control points have built shopping malls, hotels, train stations, Metro stations and bus stops especially for tourists. These supporting facilities can divert visitors and attract them to stay in the district for consumption. Let us now take a look at Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau on the Hong Kong side. With only immigration clearance facilities and transportation support, visitors can only go to the nearest Sheung Shui Station for shopping and consumption. The area around Sheung Shui Station was originally designed to cater for the daily needs of residents only. However, with the opening up of the Mainland and the implementation of the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS), there is an influx of visitors and parallel traders, the residential areas in the past have gradually converted into the present commercial shopping area. Landlords will surely lease their shops to brand-name shops, pharmacies and chain stores that can afford high rents. As a result, shops which used to serve residents have been replaced by those serving tourists. In the lack of supporting facilities, it is natural that grievances among residents are generated. Such phenomenon has gradually spread from Sheung Shui Station to other stations along the East Rail Line.

No action had been taken by the previous terms of Government even though they were well aware of the problem. The current-term Government appreciates the aspirations of the community and has put in place some measures such as the "powdered formula restriction order" and the restoration of law and order in Sheung Shui Station. However, these are just expedients. Many Shenzhen residents come to Hong Kong primarily for shopping in the New Territories. According to the statistics in 2012, the number of Mainlanders travelling to and from Hong Kong with multiple entry permits exceeds 9 million arrivals and it is estimated that most of them came mainly for shopping. Why does the Government not take this opportunity to expand business potentials by setting up a one-stop business and shopping centre at the border in the light of the consumption patterns of short-trip Mainland visitors? The setting up of a business and shopping centre in Lok Ma Chau put forward by Mr WONG Ting-kwong is a proposal that can address medium- to long-term problems. On the one hand, it can relieve the pressure on residents in the New Territories by diverting tourists. On the other hand, Hong Kong people who are cross-boundary workers or leading a cross-boundary life will find it convenient to buy their daily necessities. In addition, job opportunities will be created for local residents. In Lok Ma Chau which is along the border between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, there are a number of disposed sites available. So long as the Government is determined, it is not difficult to solve the problems.

President, regarding the development of Lantau Island, the landing point of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) in Hong Kong, I share the view of Mr WONG. We all know that the completion of the HZMB will promote the economy of the surrounding areas. Let us try to compare the respective attitudes and planning of the Governments of Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao. We will start with Hengqin of Zhuhai which is linked by the HZMB. The Shizimen Central Business District in Hengqin is multi-functional, comprising office buildings, public services, financial services, tourist resorts, convention and exhibition, and so on. Upon the completion of Phase 1 in 2015, it will provide a gross commercial floor area of approximately 11 million sq m and 15 000 hotel rooms. Next, let us take a look at Macao at the other end of the HZMB. The Macao Government plans to build numerous shopping malls, hotels and casinos in the areas around the landing point of the HZMB. As at the third quarter of last year, there were 13 hotel projects underway which would provide almost 24 000 guest rooms, while another 27 projects pending approval will provide another 15 400 guest rooms. It is estimated that more than 50 000 hotel rooms will come into service by 2020, which is 1.8 times the present number. Once the HZMB is completed, it will bring about substantial economic benefits to Macao.

Let us now take a look at Lantau where the HZMB will land in Hong Kong. Apart from the existing tourist attractions and supporting transport, there are only 3 000 hotel rooms, a large shopping mall, a few office buildings, and a shopping mall under planning. The Airport Authority has just decided to retain the basement carpark in the North Commercial District of the airport while the remaining 70% of the site will be set for commercial use. But to date, there is no concrete planning and timetable. For other projects including the overall development planning for Lantau and the study on extending Tung Chung new town, there is no sign of implementation. Even if the Government now confirms to proceed with the construction, these projects can only be completed after the HZMB has commissioned. In comparison with Zhuhai and Macao, we are obviously lagging behind.

President, I hope the Government will make reference to the concrete proposals put forward by Members during this debate and formulate the development plans and projects for Lantau as soon as possible; otherwise, we may just stand there and lose our patronage once the HZMB is completed.

President, I so submit.