I
35
66.
Kong's
As I said last year, we cannot afford to have Hong
economic development constrained by inadequate
airport capacity. This is not simply a question of
convenience for travellers. If Hong Kong is to maintain its
role as the region's key financial, trading and commercial
centre, we must be able
move increasing volumes of
passenger and cargo traffic quickly and efficiently.
to
67.
By contrast, failure to move ahead with the new
airport would mean postponing Our plans for continuing
economic development.
Without a new airport, the air
transport and tourist sectors would obviously lose
substantial earnings.
And, of course, the rest of the
economy would face a loss of business: business which would
be quickly snapped up by our rivals. In the end, we would
find it hard
business centre,
risk.
to
maintain
Hong Kong's role as a regional
and both profits and wages would be put at
68.
Kong.
to the
Guangdong
south
This is not something which just affects Hong
The new airport will make a significant contribution
economic development of south China in general and
in particular. In turn, economic expansion in
will generate more than enough business for the
China
/other