Hong Kong’s status as global aviation hub in Greater Bay Area unbeatable even with Shenzhen as rival, finance chief Paul Chan says
- Finance secretary says authorities are pushing for value-added air cargo and logistics businesses
- He allays fears about competition from neighbouring city, saying it’s up to Hong Kong to figure out what works best
Hong Kong has been designated as a global aviation hub over rival Shenzhen under China’s ambitious plan to develop an economic powerhouse in the Pearl River Delta, according to the city’s financial secretary.
In an exclusive interview with the Post, Paul Chan Mo-po said the blueprint for the Greater Bay Area clearly differentiated Hong Kong from the 10 other cities in the cluster, and that local authorities were pushing for high value-added air cargo and logistics services.
About two months after Beijing’s blueprint for the bay area was announced, the central government gave the green light for Shenzhen’s plan to build its third runway and expand its Bao’an International Airport, only 36km from Hong Kong, stoking fears the move would strain the region’s already crowded airspace.
“Shenzhen has its own needs for the third runway,” Chan said. “If we find that’s not our cup of tea, then it’s not our cup of tea. That’s the important thing.”
The bay area proposal dictates the direction and goals for the region in two stages of development – in 2020 and 2035 – without stipulating how to achieve them.
The master plan aims to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international finance, transport and trade centre, as well as a global aviation hub.
