With the Eleventh Five-Year Plan stating a clear national environmental policy, it is estimated that Mainland investment in environmental protection will reach RMB1,375 billion from 2006 to 2010, around 1.5 per cent of the GDP. Since 1999, the ratio of environmental investment to GDP first recorded over 1 per cent, and this ratio has remained stable in recent years. As authorities press forward with industry upgrade policies, manufacturers need to enhance production management and improve environmental performance.
For the Hong Kong environmental industry, turning such opportunities presented by the national policy to business is a great challenge. As currently, the industry lacks R&D investments and engineering talents. Spearheaded by the FHKI, the environmental industry and other industries have submitted proposals to the Government urging it to help manufacturers in the PRD.
I am grateful to see the new Government and Guangdong authorities make commitment to help PRD-based Hong Kong manufacturers enhance environmental performance and competitiveness. The Chief Executive has praised the efforts made by the industry (including the Triple-One Project) and said the Government would help manufacturers through the support of the TDC’s Technology and SME Funding Scheme. In the 20 years I have been in the environmental industry, this is the clearest and most direct commitment made by the Government.
Therefore I hope this will mark the advent of the Hong Kong environmental industry where we can truly make a positive difference in improving environmental conservation, achieving a win-win situation for both industry and society.
