The Chamber expresses broad support for the Government’s overarching vision for the development of the areas surrounding Hung Hom Station and its adjacent waterfront (“the Zone”), with particular emphasis on improving connectivity and commuting, and transforming the Hung Hom and Victoria Harbour area into a prominent harbourfront landmark; thereby reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a world-class international city. We also offer specific comments on land use planning and design strategies to further enhance the Zone’s development. These include the adoption of a holistic and integrated development approach, a review of the residential-to-commercial ratio, and recommendations to further strengthen connectivity, branding, as well as the overall visibility and sustainability of the Zone.

The Chamber welcomes the SFC's proposed amendments to the Securities and Futures (Stock Market Listing) Rules and their objectives of enhancing market efficiency, transparency, investor protection, and accountability. We agree in general with the proposals, viewing them as in line with international regulatory developments, whilst also offering suggestions to enhance their effectiveness. Recommendation is also given to the measured usage of SFC’s post-listing powers, which should be reserved for situations where there is clear risk of harm to the investing public, to preserve Hong Kong’s attractiveness for quality listings.

We recognize the Government's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality and achieving energy efficiency as part of its roadmap for consolidating Hong Kong’s competitiveness as a leading international city – with the District Cooling Services (DCS) mechanism and its proposed expansion to cover the Kwu Tung North New Development Area (KTN NDA) , Tung Chung New Town Extension (East) (TCNTE(E)), as well as additional new areas within the Kai Tak DCS, part and parcel of these objectives. At the same, we put forward several general recommendations regarding the proposals' design, user implications and cost recovery considerations. We also suggest that in implementing the legislative amendments, a comprehensive assessment of consumer and business needs, as well as evaluation of the commercial viability of the proposed expansions of the DCS, be conducted to maximize the scheme’s efficacy.