LegCo Panel on Development concludes study visit to Shanghai (with photos)
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The delegation of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Development concluded its study visit to Shanghai today (December 21).
On the last day of the visit, the delegation first met with Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, Mr Zhang Xiaohong. As Shanghai is an important economic centre and international financial centre in the Mainland, Members noted the latest development of Shanghai. Both parties exchanged views on ways to strengthen Hong Kong-Shanghai co-operation.
The delegation then visited the Xuhui Riverside Development Area. Xuhui Riverside is one of the key riverside development projects under the Shanghai 14th Five-year Plan, as well as the current landmark area of Shanghai in cultural, media and digital technology development. The delegation discussed with the relevant bodies coastal and riverside development, planning and management, and visited West Bund AI Tower, West Bund Media Port and the development of West Bund Orbit and Financial Hub.
Members then visited Zhang Yuan to learn more about its work and outcomes attained regarding heritage conservation and revitalisation, urban renewal, public space and commercial use. Zhang Yuan has a history of more than 100 years as its construction began in 1882. It was revitalised through acquisition and preservation of structures, but not demolition, and relocation of occupants by the local government in 2018, with a view to preserving the view of shikumen, or traditional lane houses of Shanghai. After the renovation, 43 historic buildings were preserved with modern and stylish elements in the western portion of Zhang Yuan, and it was opened to the public in November 2022.
In summarising the three-day study visit, the delegation leader, Mr Tony Tse, described the visit as rich and intensive, from which Members had gained a lot. Mr Tse said, "Hong Kong is a core city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area; and Shanghai is a leading city of the Yangtze River Delta Economic City Group, both of which are key cities of the country with special status and functions. Members gained insights into the latest developments in Shanghai, including urban planning and management, new areas development, heritage conservation and revitalisation, emergency response and disaster prevention work, as well as coastal and riverside development". Mr Tse stated that many of these aspects are worth learning for Hong Kong. He added that the interaction and exchange between Members and the Development Bureau's delegation during the visit will also be beneficial to future discussions on the relevant issues between the Panel and the Administration.
Mr Tse expressed his gratitude to the Shanghai Municipal People's Government and the relevant bodies for the thoughtful arrangements. He also thanked the Development Bureau and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai for the assistance provided. Their support contributed significantly to the success of the study visit.
The delegation, consisting of 16 LegCo Members, visited Shanghai from December 19 to 21. The delegation was led by the Chairman of the LegCo Panel on Development, Mr Tony Tse, and Deputy Chairman of the Panel cum deputy leader, Mr Lau Kwok-fan. The Development Bureau's delegation led by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, also joined the study visit.
Ends/Thursday, December 21, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:45
Issued at HKT 19:45
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