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The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Paul Tang, visited the Planning Department (PlanD) today (July 15) to learn more about the work of the department and to take the opportunity to meet its staff.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Raymond Wong, Mr Tang first met with the Director of Planning, Mr Ling Kar-kan, and the directorate staff. He was pleased to learn that the PlanD is committed to promoting a sustainable development in order to attain a liveable environment, vibrant economy and social progress, both now and in the future, by working in partnership with the community.
Mr Tang started with a tour of the Board Division to gain a better understanding of its duties. This Division acts as the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board (TPB). During a meeting with frontline staff Mr Tang learned more about the operation of the TPB, and noted that the TPB will launch an Electronic Planning Application Submission System at end-2015 which will offer a convenient and quick channel for receiving planning applications online.
Later, Mr Tang visited the Strategic Planning Section, where he was briefed on Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030 (Hong Kong 2030+). As set out in the 2015 Policy Address, the Government will update Hong Kong 2030, which was completed in 2007, in response to the city's future needs. Mr Tang noted that Hong Kong 2030+ will provide an updated spatial planning framework and broad directions for land use planning and infrastructure development beyond 2030.
Mr Tang then proceeded to the Public Enquiry Counter of the Technical Services Section to learn more about the dissemination of planning information to the public. The Section is also responsible for the management of the City Gallery, which is the first planning and infrastructure gallery in Hong Kong, featuring the city's major planning proposals and infrastructure projects as well as its future development outlook.
During his visit, Mr Tang also met with staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on relevant issues. He encouraged the staff members to continue to provide high-quality, efficient and professional services to the public.
Ends/Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:00
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