Political situation
Written by: Liu Jinhua
2020-05-16 10:36
Last update date: 2020-05-16 10:36The Finance Committee of the Legislative Council will continue to consider the $ 5.4 billion in funding to support the operation of the Ocean Park next Tuesday. Qiu Tenghua, Secretary of Commerce and Economic Development, said today (16th) that the Ocean Park is not a business, and Hong Kong people have feelings about it not because the park can make money. Qiu reiterated the value of Ocean Park, referring to it as a statutory and non-profit organization, as well as a world-class conservation base and providing 2,000 full-time jobs. The Ocean Park is currently facing financial difficulties. The government does not want it to be the first victim of the epidemic, which will make the brand established over the years go to the forefront, but at the same time, it does not hope that Ocean Park will apply to the government for funding in the future. Qiu believes that Ocean Park has the ability to redevelop and does not need to rely on the government, but it also needs to adjust its strategic positioning in the future.
Qiu Tenghua, Secretary of Commerce and Economic Development, reiterated the value of Ocean Park, referring to it as a statutory and non-profit organization, as well as a world-class conservation base and providing 2,000 full-time jobs. (Profile picture)
Qiu Tenghua said that the geographical environment of Ocean Park is favorable, and development does not need to be limited to the park. It can take advantage of the advantages of being located near the harbour and constructing docks, etc., but the government will allow development outside the park by law. Qiu will also ask the Lands Department to study whether Ocean Park can cooperate with surrounding areas to promote the development of nearby Huangzhukeng, Aberdeen, Tianwan and other areas, emphasizing that the government is not a monolithic one and will not help Ocean Park from a single aspect.
He also mentioned that in January the government proposed to expand the Ocean Park with 10 billion Hong Kong dollars, and has also proposed a new positioning strategy development plan for the development direction of the Ocean Park. However, the park will be closed due to the epidemic, and it will continue to be maintained after the income stops. Animals and employees pay salaries, so cash flow runs out to June. He said the park needed funding from the Legislative Council, otherwise the park would have to wind up and close down, leaving the job to nothing.
Qiu Tenghua also said that many of Hong Kong's recent economic indicators are down, but Hong Kong companies are still "hard net", and the number of failed companies is not as high as expected. Qiu Tenghua also pointed out that foreign tourists will visit Hong Kong after the epidemic. The authorities are also preparing for major business activities in the second half of the year, hoping to turn the crisis into an opportunity. He also believes that after the epidemic, the global economy will shrink, and economic recovery depends on trade and mutual investment, rather than shutting down.
The government has applied to the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council for an allocation of 5.4 billion yuan for Ocean Park ’s operating expenses and loan repayment in the next 12 months. (Profile picture)
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Ocean Park Qiu Tenghua