11
Q13. Unidentified. What were the main worries then, so far, from the Chinese authorities about these projects?
A. I think their main worry that they have expressed is whether we can actually afford it. of that I have no doubt that we can satisfy them on this point. And, of course, they are also concerned about the financial and economic viability. And, again, I have no doubt we can satisfy them on that point as well.
Q14. International Herald Tribune. In talking to these overseas firms which have expressed an interest in being involved in the project have you received any requests for, or have you considered offering, any concessions for them to build and operate certain parts of the project and how long would those concessions be, generally?
A.
P
I can't give you a time. It would be a matter of commercial negotiation. But, certainly, we envisage that the Fixed Crossing, the Lantau Fixed Crossing that I have described, would be dealt with on a franchise basis a BOT basis. Similar proposals have been put to us in relation to the actual terminal building, the airport terminal building. But whether it would be right to proceed with it on that basis we have not, as yet, decided.
Q....Of course, at the end of the concession it would be a state-run facility?
A. That's right
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SAR run.
Q....Does that pose any post-1997 concern?
A.
No. No problems
Q15. Newsweek. You have mentioned that there have been 700 expressions of interest by international companies. What percentage have come from PRC companies?
A. I am sorry, I can't remember. That figure of 700 is, of course, all embracing. It includes a whole lot of expressions of interest, some of them quite minor.
Q....How would you characterise the extent of interest expressed by PRC companies: Substantial, significant, insignificant? Non-existent?
I honestly can't remember the names. I would say minor rather than major.
A.