Mr Edward Yau, JP Secretary for the Environment Environment Bureau 46/F, Revenue Tower 5 Gloucester Road, Wanchai Hong Kong Dear Edward, Review of the Policy Agenda on Air Pollution On behalf of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, I submit with pleasure a paper entitled “Restoring Blue Skies - Review of the Policy Agenda on Air Pollution”, developed by the Chamber's Environment Committee, for your reference and consideration. The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce has been a long-time advocate of clean air, not least through our Project CLEAN AIR, to encourage energy conservation and emission reduction within the community. Although the HKSAR Government and the community have taken bold steps and practical measures to tackle air pollution, the air quality we experience has apparently deteriorated, affecting not only our health but also our reputation as an international business and tourism centre, and is becoming a threat to our competitiveness. To achieve real improvements in air quality would therefore require a concerted effort by all sectors of the community, as no single solution will be able to address the full range of challenges encountered by different enterprises. Towards that end, we hope this paper developed by our Environment Committee will go some way in forging partnership between the government, the business sector and the community in tackling this important issue. The document comprises a package of 43 action-oriented ideas and recommendations. A key theme is that of climate change: what that global problem means in the Hong Kong context and how Hong Kong as Asia's world city can contribute to global efforts. The other is the widespread concern over local and regional emissions against which the paper lists out a host of initiatives that can be implemented. Indeed, everyone has a role to play: Government is urged to be more active in international forums on climate change; the business sector is encouraged to help bring in foreign capital and technologies to contribute to sustainable development of the country; and the public is asked to adopt responsible consumption in households and workplaces, among other things. The key word is partnership, and we sincerely hope that the paper could facilitate further action and discussion among the government, business sector and the wider community. We will be more than happy to elaborate our thoughts and recommendations to you and your colleagues. We will be releasing this report together with the May issue of our Bulletin in early May. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Alex Fong, Chamber CEO. Thank you. Yours sincerely Andrew Brandler Acting Chairman Restore Blue Skies: Review of the Policy Agenda on Air Pollution
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