15
Q...What level of talks do you contemplate to have with China?
A. My talks so far have been with NCNA but I would expect it to go beyond that.
Q21. Unidentified. Do you expect the Chinese government to make any amendments to the proposals? For example, turning the airport over to air force use, Chinese Air Force use?
A.
This airport is being built for Hong Kong. Hong Kong will be in charge of this airport. We have a degree of autonomy established under the basic law so we will be running the airport. Civil aviation is specifically mentioned in the Joint Declaration.
Q...So collaboration with China will be quite minimal?
A.
Will be quite?
Q...Minimal.
Ma
minimal, significant and
A. I hate these words, actually insignificant. As I have said we haven't worked out as yet exactly how China should be involved in it. We haven't discussed that involvement with them. What we have been talking about so far is the questions of support. Addressing certain concerns that they have expressed. say, I do see a role for Chinese commercial companies in this airport but that hasn't been worked out as yet.
As I
Q22. Unidentified. What is the considerations of the government in choosing a contractor
A.
Choosing what?
Q....A contractor, or other foreign company, to take part in the airport...
A. Well, we would be awarding contracts in the usual way through our Central Consultants Selection Board. And we look for the best contractors at the best price.
Q...Is to internationalise a factor in choosing the foreign companies?
A.
No. Not really.
I mean,
That is a word I don't like. we will be looking for the best deals we can get, as far as Hong Kong is concerned. As I say, we operate a very level playing field and we will be looking for the best contractors. I would expect quite a large number of international contractors to be involved in this because they have the equipment and the expertise.