Kenneth Lau
Monday, November 16, 2015
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying says the government is in the process of setting up a Maritime Authority though he fears that filibustering in the Legislative Council could delay its establishment.
Speaking at an event organized by the Financial Services Development Council, Leung claimed the authority would upgrade Hong Kong's maritime business from port activities and that the government is studying whether it should be a statutory or non-statutory body.
Leung was not originally on the event's agenda but asked for a slot as he wanted to share his views on the government's role in promoting an industrial development.
He said Hong Kong could not rely on market forces and he cited Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing as an example of the role the government can play.
"We need the accelerator, the gas pedal ... and the FSDC engages the industry and formulates proposals to promote the further development of Hong Kong's financial services industry," Leung said.
He also said he is optimistic about Hong Kong's economy because in the past financial year, profit tax and salary tax receipts reached record highs.
Legislative Council transport panel member Yiu Si-wing said he could not see any details of the plan so far.
"I think the government should tell us its plan, for example, how will it coordinate different piers' positions ... and how will the government coordinate with the mainland," Yiu said. Another transport panel member, Neo Democrats' Gary Fan Kwok-wai, said the authority is unnecessary as the government already has the Maritime Industry Council and the Marine Department.
Fan also accused Leung of using the filibuster threat to bolster the pro- establishment groups in Sunday's district council election.
Legco president Jasper Tsang Yok- sing believes most lawmakers will cooperate and he called on the government to communicate with lawmakers.
"I hope the officials can communicate with the lawmakers as soon as possible so that different parties can better understand the government's intentions," he said.
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