Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, at a media session on the observation wheel in the New Central Harbourfront after attending the press conference on Belt and Road Summit today (September 4):

Reporter: Do you think it is really embarrassing for Hong Kong that such an important tourist landmark has to be closed down for months or even a year before a new operator takes over?

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: We urge the operators, both the serving one and the incoming one, to sit together and discuss, to find a solution on how to ensure a smoother transition of the observation wheel to the new operator. The Development Bureau, as far as I understand, is working very closely with them with a view to resolving it. I believe that both operators should look at the bigger picture and also the interest of the public.

Reporter: What role did your bureau play in this operation?

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: Essentially because it involves contract matters and how the incoming operator can take over from the existing operator, so it involves land and tenancy matters which the Development Bureau is taking care of. We of course would like to see a smooth transition from the angle of users and tourists. That is why I urge both of them to work together towards this end.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Monday, September 4, 2017
Issued at HKT 13:50

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