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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Frederick Ma, today (December 18) welcomed Ngong Ping 360 Limited's (Ngong Ping 360) announcement on the re-opening of the cable car system for public use on New Year's Eve (December 31).
"I am delighted to learn that Ngong Ping 360 has passed the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department's assessment and the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services has lifted the closure order on the Ngong Ping cable car system. Ngong Ping 360 will have guest rides starting this weekend, and it will re-open for commercial operation on December 31," Mr Ma said.
The Expert Panel had earlier confirmed that the design of the system was in line with prevailing international safety standards and practices. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department has also confirmed that Ngong Ping 360 had already carried out a series of improvement measures on management, operation and maintenance aspects, in accordance with the Expert Panel's recommendations, to ensure smooth operation of the system. "I hope that both local residents and tourists will be confident about riding the cable car very soon.
"Ngong Ping 360's efforts to embark on a series of promotional and community engagement programmes are very welcome, as well as the decision to provide visitors with various concessions upon the re-opening of the cable car system. With the concerted efforts of Ngong Ping 360, Hong Kong Tourism Board, the travel trade and various sectors of the community, I believe that the cable car system will be re-established as a popular tourist attraction," Mr Ma said.
"Thanks to the invitation by Ngong Ping 360, I will take part in the 'VIP Ride' on Saturday (December 22) with other guests and be one of its first riders," he said.
Ends/Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:07
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