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promotion of tourism through the organization of international events. I consider that close cooperation between the two is very essential to the economic prosperity of Hong Kong. I don't think I have to dwell on this anymore, because as Ms. Ada WONG has mentioned and every Member is aware and understands, for these activities there should be cooperation with the HKTA in areas covering venues, ticketing and planning.
However, I wish to remind Members that as the Chairman of the Liaison Group with the Sports Development Board under the Council's Recreation Select Committee, I fully realize from the several meetings I have attended that apart from providing a communication channel for issues concerning the development of the Sports Development Board, the Council's policies and implementation by the Department, the Liaison Group has served to improve both parties' understanding of the policies and operation and to promote chances of cooperation, so as to ensure more effective services in the provision of sport activities to the people of Hong Kong. Hence, in order to implement the above-mentioned recommendations on the long-term development of local tourism and economic prosperity, I believe consideration should be given to setting up a liaison group with the HKTA under the Council's Standing Committee. It should have only a short tenure of a few years and be responsible for improving cooperation between the two parties, holding regular meetings and drawing up detailed proposals to complement and implement the 'Spotlight Hong Kong-Towards the Millennium' Programme.
Mr. Chairman, these are my remarks.
Mr. Tommy Cheung Yu-yAN (in Cantonese):--I too have to declare interests because I am a former member of the Board of Management of the Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA), I consider that the food business is closely related with tourism and therefore I have to declare interests.
In fact, I consider that both Ms. Ada Wong's original motion and Mr. PAO Ping-wing's amended motion should be supported. I understand why Mr. Pao has proposed amendments to the motion and I agree that we should not give the wrong impression that there has never been any contact with the HKTA.
I agree with Mr. Henry Wu's arguments and I wish to add that the idea of setting up a working group should not be limited to the HKTA. Similar liaison groups may also be set up with all non-official or quasi-official organizations such as the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Apart from helping boost or promote tourism and assisting the SAR in promoting Hong Kong, this kind of working group would also help publicize the Council's activities. I feel that if someone could help us market what we have done, it would be so much the better.
Mr. Chairman, the Liberal Party is therefore in support of both motions. "Thank you, Mr. Chairman,
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promotion of tourism through the organization of international events. I consider that close cooperation between the two is very essential to the economic prosperity of Hong Kong. I don't think I have to dwell on this anymore, because as Ms. Ada WONG has mentioned and every Member is aware and understands, for these activities there should be cooperation with the HKTA in areas covering venues, ticketing and planning.
However, I wish to remind Members that as the Chairman of the Liaison Group with the Sports Development Board under the Council's Recreation Select Committee, I fully realize from the several meetings I have attended that apart from providing a communication channel for issues concerning the development of the Sports Development Board, the Council's policies and implementation by the Department, the Liaison Group has served to improve both parties' understanding of the policies and operation and to promote chances of cooperation, so as to ensure more effective services in the provision of sport activities to the people of Hong Kong. Hence, in order to implement the above-mentioned recommendations on the long-term development of local tourism and economic prosperity, I believe consideration should be given to setting up a liaison group with the HKTA under the Council's Standing Committee. It should have only a short tenure of a few years and be responsible for improving cooperation between the two parties, holding regular meetings and drawing up detailed proposals to complement and implement the 'Spotlight Hong Kong-Towards the Millennium' Programme.
Mr. Chairman, these are my remarks.
Mr. Tommy Cheung Yu-yAN (in Cantonese):--I too have to declare interests because I am a former member of the Board of Management of the Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA), I consider that the food business is closely related with tourism and therefore I have to declare interests.
In fact, I consider that both Ms. Ada Wong's original motion and Mr. PAO Ping-wing's amended motion should be supported. I understand why Mr. Pao has proposed amendments to the motion and I agree that we should not give the wrong impression that there has never been any contact with the HKTA.
I agree with Mr. Henry Wu's arguments and I wish to add that the idea of setting up a working group should not be limited to the HKTA. Similar liaison groups may also be set up with all non-official or quasi-official organizations such as the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Apart from helping boost or promote tourism and assisting the SAR in promoting Hong Kong, this kind of working group would also help publicize the Council's activities. I feel that if someone could help us market what we have done, it would be so much the better.
Mr. Chairman, the Liberal Party is therefore in support of both motions. "Thank you, Mr. Chairman,
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