Wednesday, November 28, 1973
He said the department had been much involved in the formulation
of proposals for making industrial land available for sale on a restricted
user basis in order to encourage the establishment of technologically-advanced
industries which could not, by their nature, be based in high rise
buildings.
There was now a framework of policy within which particular
applications for land could be granted on a restricted user basis for
the development of industry "that will expand our industrial base, increase
our skills, broaden our overseas markets and help to secure supplies of
essential raw materials for our export industries."
Mr. Jordan said that several projects had been considered recently
by the Executive Council, and it was hoped to announce shortly that one
or two major investments have been secured for Hong Kong.
But he emphasised that the development of Hong Kong's industry and
trade was undoubtedly due primarily to the energy, resourcefulness and
willingness to invest in the future shown by our own manufacturers and
businessmen.
"While we welcome investment from overseas, it is indeed a fact
that the bulk of the nearly 300 factories in Hong Kong in which there is
an overseas interest are joint ventures between Hong Kong industrialists
and their overseas partners," he said.
Mr. Jordan said that the diversification of industry had been
urged for many years, and the modification of industrial land policy should
assist in this proces8.
/He added: