About 200 government officials, experts and stakeholders from Hong Kong and Taoyuan attended the Hong Kong-Taoyuan Inter-city Forum 2015 today.
The forum was jointly held by the Hong Kong Economic, Trade & Cultural Office (Taiwan) and the Taoyuan City Government.
Secretary for Transport & Housing Prof Anthony Cheung gave a keynote speech on the importance of Hong Kong as an aviation hub in driving economic development and enhancing global connectivity.
He said the relocation of Hong Kong airport from Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok helped build a strong foundation for the city to become an international aviation hub.
The Airport Authority is taking forward the implementation of the three-runway system project to maintain Hong Kong's aviation competitiveness, he added.
After the completion of the system, the handling capacities in passenger traffic and freight cargo will increase to 100 million people and 8.9 million tonnes per year by 2030, bringing additional economic benefits of $455 billion.
Speaking at the close of the forum, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Raymond Tam said the inter-city forum has become an important platform for enhancing exchanges between Hong Kong and different cities and counties in Taiwan.
He said he hopes the two places continue exchanges in different aspects, including infrastructure, city management, trade and culture.
