XN000022-1995-07-10 — Page 2

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Consultants to review cargo forecasts

Demand forecasts for Hong Kong's port are to be examined under a consultancy agreement signed today (Monday) between the Government and GHK (HK) Ltd. Hong Kong's port is a substantial contributor to the economy and provides employment to a large segment of the workforce.

"It is important, therefore, that it is developed to meet forecast demand," the Secretary of the Hong Kong Port Development, Mr Tony Clark, said. "Because our port development is entirely demand-led," Mr Clark said: "we must forecast as accurately as possible what that demand will be.

"Our forecasts of demand take into account the origins and destination of cargo, the development of local and regional ports, including those in the Pearl River Delta.

"Given the importance of the Pearl River Delta as a key source of cargo, we pay particular attention to both the requirements of shippers and shipping lines and to port construction projects which may have a bearing on our own development plan. "Present indications are that port facilities in the Pearl River Delta are likely to continue to feed cargo into Hong Kong's port rather than take cargo away," Mr Clark said.

"This needs to be re-confirmed so that our strategic port development plan continues to take a realistic vision in the future," he said.

The study will review and update the port cargo forecasts prepared in 1993. "Whilst I do not envisage substantial change," Mr Clark said: "it is important that we keep our information as up to date as possible."

The forecasts are the essential building block for the Government's biannual Port Development Strategy Review (PDSR). This review is, in turn, built into the updated Territorial Development Strategy (TDS).

The PDSR is the guide to what port facilities need to be built and within what time frame. This then ensures that the port can continue to contribute to Hong Kong's economy and that the port's demands on Hong Kong's overall infrastructure can be built into the TDS.

The agreement was signed by Mr Jamie Simpson, Director, on behalf of GHK (HK) Ltd. Mr Clark said he was looking forward to working with GHK on this important consultancy. Initial results should be available early next year.

End/Monday, July 10, 1995