He continued: "Let me knock firmly on the head the idea that we can go slow on Container Terminal 9."
Such suggestions ignored the reality that the average annual growth rate over the past five years has been over 17 per cent. That growth rate is the yardstick by which the industry measures the need for future terminals.
It was by no means certain that the existing terminals at Kwai Chung could continue making significant increases in their throughput capacities to cope with the growth.
"So you may rest assured," continued Mr Clark, "that the Hong Kong Government is determined to press ahead with seeing that our port is provided with the infrastructure demand requires. And that means early progress on CT9, CT10 and CT11."
He said the growth in cargo throughput had also affected public cargo working areas which had seen double digit growth.
"Some of our legislators are seeking to retain public subsidies for commercial activities at the PCWAs," said Mr Clark.
"They justify this on ground of 'economic downturn'. That may well be true in other parts of our economy. It is certainly not so in the port," he added.
Referring to recent reports that some giant ships, now on the drawing board, might not be able to enter Hong Kong's port when fully loaded, Mr Clark said full loadings in Hong Kong were the rare exception, rather than the rule.
Very few of the world's major hub ports could presently accommodate such huge vessels.
"That said," Mr Clark emphasised, "we are pushing ahead with a dredging programme which will ensure that Hong Kong does not lose out."
End/Tuesday, October 24, 1995
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