1996 — Page 24

主席報告

Chairman's Statement

HKF

展望

西區海底隧道將於一九九七年四月投入服務,對過

海交通提供疏導。加上政府一貫以來將大量資源投

入興建公路,本港之公路及隧道網絡日見完善,市

民有更多選擇,陸路交通更見效率,更為方便。在

這情況下,唯一之受害者乃小輪業務之經營者,小

輪公司因市場佔有率被蠶食,而失去經濟效益,未

來將面對更大經營壓力及重重困難。本集團之專營

渡輪服務來年亦將繼續為集團總體表現帶來負面影

響。本集團希望能透過早日達成中環碼頭發展計劃

之協議,在將來帶來新的利潤。

PROSPECTS

The Western Cross Harbour Tunnel will come into operation in April

1997, thereby alleviating the cross-harbour traffic. Coupled with the

vast resources devoted by the Government to building highways over

the previous years, the road and tunnel systems in Hong Kong have

provided the commuters with ever increasing choice, convenience

and efficiency. Ferry operators are the only victim, suffering from

losses of market shares and consequently the economies of scale in

operation. It is anticipated that local ferry operators will continue to

feel the pinch and see difficult times ahead. The local franchised

ferry operation of the Group will continue to weigh on its overall

performance in the coming year. The Group is looking towards the

early conclusion of the Central Ferry Piers development proposal as

a possible source of new profit in the future.

致謝

本人謹代表股東及董事會仝人,向為本公司辛勤服

務之全體員工,表示衷心感謝。

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

On behalf of the shareholders and the Board, I would like to take this

opportunity to express my thanks and appreciation to all our staff for

their dedication and hard work during the past year.

主席

林高演

香港,一九九七年三月七日

Hong Kong, 7 March 1997

22

Colin K. Y. Lam

Chairman