The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, visited North District today (November 29) to meet with members of the North District Council (NDC) and toured the Construction Industry Council (CIC) Sheung Shui Training Centre.

     This morning, he first met with NDC members to listen to their views and have an in-depth discussion with them on matters of concern to the district.

     Later, accompanied by the District Officer (North), Mr Chong Wing-wun; the Chairman of the NDC, Mr So Sai-chi; and Chairman of the Construction Industry Council, Mr Chan Ka Kui, he visited the CIC Sheung Shui Training Centre and chatted with trainees of the Centre.

     Mr Chan said that given the many major infrastructure projects in the pipeline in Hong Kong, the CIC has forecast that the public and private sector construction projects will cost over $250 billion annually in the next 10 years.

     Noting that the manpower demand of the construction industry would remain high in the future, he encouraged trainees to  strive to equip themselves and contribute to the industry and the development  of our community.

     The Government will continue to partner with the CIC and adopt multi-pronged measures to strengthen training for skilled workers, to attract newcomers to join the industry and to enhance productivity of the industry, he added.

     As one of the three training centres set up by the CIC in Hong Kong, the CIC Sheung Shui Training Centre provides different training courses free of charge to about 500 construction practitioners and people planning to join the trade. Trainees will receive a monthly allowance during training.

Ends/Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Issued at HKT 13:00

NNNN