Financial Secretary John Tsang has said that building a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport is important for the city's economic development and he hopes the project can be taken forward soon.
Speaking at a youth forum to discuss his Budget Speech today, Mr Tsang stressed that the current two runway system will be full soon, and as the airport is a gateway for people and goods to enter Hong Kong, it is essential to maintain maximum capacity.
Commenting on the impact reducing the number of Mainland tourists would have on the local economy, the finance chief noted that the tourism industry plays an important economic role as the industry employs a large number of workers with lower education attainment.
Mr Tsang added that he understood the inconvenience large numbers of tourists bring to some people's lives, but he hoped a balance could be struck between minimising their impact and the economic value of tourism.
The Financial Secretary also addressed measures to cool the property market, which he said have been effective. He stressed that the Government will decide on the next step after taking into account factors including the US interest rate trend, but he noted it is not the right time to adjust the measures yet.
