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| HK's Tsang Pledges Support for Economy and Families |
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Hong Kong's Chief Executive Donald Tsang presented the second and last policy address of his current term of office on Wednesday to the Legislative Council. The title of his speech, "Proactive, Pragmatic, Always People First", is also the recurring theme of his blueprint for the development of the territory in the coming year. "In the coming year, the top of my policy agenda will be economic development, wealth creation, improving people's livelihood and enhancing the quality of life, in particular, strengthened support for families and intensified efforts in our anti-pollution strategy," Tsang said. He pointed out the paramount significance of economic progress because many Hong Kong people value happy families, and a clean environment depends on it. In drawing a road map for Hong Kong's economic development, he said it must identify its proper role in the development of the country, noting that globalization and the emergence of the Chinese nation are now synonymous. "The National 11th Five-Year Plan states clearly that support will be given to Hong Kong's development on fronts such as financial services, logistics, tourism and information services, and the maintenance of Hong Kong's status as an international center of financial services, trade and shipping." To boost the trade and logistics sectors, the government will seek to enter into more economic and trade arrangements with trading partners to enhance overseas market access for Hong Kong's goods and services. To enhance efficiency, streamline application procedures and lower permit fees, the law will be modified to allow multiple entry permits for river trade vessels that ferry large volumes of cargo from within the Pearl River Delta to Hong Kong's port. The government has been working with the Dongguan authorities to increase the efficiency of cross-boundary cargo flow, with agreement reached on the introduction of an express clearance system at the Liaobu inland control point which will come into operation later this year, he added. To enhance the air cargo handling capacity of Hong Kong International Airport, continuous efforts will be made to increase the number of cargo freighter parking berths, and to expand its air cargo terminal facilities. The government will also earmark HK$100 million over five years to help the Hong Kong Design Center to assist businesses and industries make full use of their designs to build brand names. Financial initiatives such as amending stock exchange listing rules to facilitate foreign enterprises listing in the territory were put forward to cement the city's status as an Asian financial center. Tsang proposed the setting up of a Family Commission and a range of other measures to support families and promote social harmony. The integrated and holistic commission will be responsible for policies and initiatives relating to family support. Regarding the Integrated Service Centers, Tsang noted that the government would reinforce the services and focus on parenting education, providing marriage counseling and advocating parental responsibility. Government sources said that the government would consider increasing tax breaks for taxpayers with dependent parents, grandparents and siblings. To further promote family harmony, the government plans to amend the Domestic Violence Ordinance. A series of preventative, supportive and specialized services will be launched, including an enhanced 24-hour hotline managed by the Social Welfare Department, a crisis support center dedicated to victims of domestic and sexual violence, as well as support services for family members of victims. While the government aims to strengthen the functions of refuge centers for women, government sources said that the working hours of social workers at the centers might be extended to midnight, offering assistance to families in need. Reaffirming the government's determination to protect the environment and to improve air quality, Tsang said that financial incentives would be provided to encourage drivers to use environment-friendly vehicles. The government will spend HK$3.2 billion to replace 49,000 pre-Euro diesel commercial vehicles over a period of 18 months, and 25,000 Euro I vehicles with Euro IV vehicles in three years. This program excludes private vehicles, taxis and franchised buses. The emissions of nitrogen oxide would be reduced by 10 percent and particulates by 18 percent upon completion of the program. Other measures include working with Guangdong Province to reduce pollutants emissions, and requiring power companies to use cleaner energy. Apart from tackling air pollution, the government would prepare legislation for the introduction of a producer responsibility scheme by the end of the year, in which the plastic bag issue is to be included. The government will next month launch a three-month trial scheme on municipal solid waste. Logistical arrangements for waste recovery and disposal in the various residential areas will be examined. The government also plans to increase water sewage fees in 10 years' time to cover increased treatment costs. (China Daily October 12, 2006) |
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