CONFIDENTIAL
Issue
Objective/explanation
21
Present status/progress
China
interest*
UK
interest*
Secretary for Economic Services Funding and
development of Chek Lap Kok Airport
Hong Kong to Taiwan Ferry Service
Doubts have been expressed about the ability of Government successfully to develop the New Airport and related infrastructure. Concerns centre on the financial burden, inflationary impact, effect on Government funding in other fields and the environmental impact. recently criticism of the apparent lack of public consultation and
suggestions for
More
alternatives to PADS have arisen.
A Hong Kong company has applied to operate a passenger ferry service to Taiwan from the China Ferry Terminal on the grounds that, they say, Taiwan is a place in China.
A
The Airport Master Plan Consultancy and Airport Financial Consultancy have started (on 16 July and 20 August respectively). decision on the overall configuration/size of the airport is to be taken by the Provisional Airport Authority by November.
FCO has agreed that further consideration may be given to the application. We are examining possible
amendments to the law to ensure no recurrence of the political and legal difficulties encountered in this case.
Chinese remain concerned
over
funding. Yet to
express public
support for project including location of airport and its
transport links.
X
X
CONFIDENTIAL #T