**********************************************************
The Lantau Development Advisory Committee held its second meeting today (June 14). The Committee explored Lantau's strategic positioning and development direction as well as various proposals received. Some members also briefed the Committee on their views for Lantau's development.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Secretary for Development and Chairman of the Committee, Mr Paul Chan, said, "After the first meeting on March 8 this year, members visited western cities in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) and Lantau in April and May respectively to learn about the status of planning, urban development and infrastructure planning in the cities, and the latest social, transport and infrastructure development of Lantau. Members generally agreed that Lantau not only has its own characteristics and landscape, but also room for diversified development that can boost the Lantau development and inject new development momentum into Hong Kong's social and economic development."
Based on the findings of the visits and the views submitted by members, the Committee initially suggested four proposals for the strategic positioning of Lantau, which are:
(1) An international transport, logistics and trade hub in the Greater PRD region;
(2) A service hub in the Greater PRD region and Asia;
(3) A strategic growth area with a new metropolis in the central waters between Lantau and Hong Kong Island; and
(4) A treasure of natural assets.
The Committee also preliminarily suggested the following development directions, which were found to be worth further consideration:
(1) A Northern Lantau Corridor for economic and housing developments;
(2) A North-eastern Lantau Node for leisure, entertainment and international tourism;
(3) An East Lantau Metropolis for strategic growth with a core business district; and
(4) Predominant Lantau for conservation, leisure, cultural development and green tourism.
Several members also briefed the Committee on their views for Lantau's development. They pointed out that with its geographical edge, Lantau has the potential to develop into a regional hub of the Greater PRD region that promotes the synergy between neighbouring cities and Hong Kong, achieving a multiple win situation.
On the other hand, the Secretariat of the Committee consolidated the views received from members into 73 proposals under five broad categories, namely "development planning issues", "tourism and entertainment", "environment and heritage conservation", "transport hub and improvement proposals" and "employment, education and social welfare". Views on these five areas were also discussed at the meeting.
Mr Chan thanked the members for their research, analyses and enthusiastic discussions on Lantau development.
The third meeting is scheduled to be held next month.
Ends/Saturday, June 14, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:10
NNNN