Future Hong Kong transport projects could be funded by issuing bonds or built through public-private partnerships, official says
- Transport chief says the government will explore different funding options to support major projects unveiled in leader’s policy address
- Whether MTR Corporation will operate proposed railway links will require careful consideration, transport secretary Lam Sai-hung says
Future transport infrastructure projects in Hong Kong could be funded by means other than direct government investment, including by issuing bonds or private sector partnerships, officials said on Friday
In his policy blueprint on Wednesday, Lee proposed building three major roads and three railway projects to better link different corners of the city and reduce heavy traffic in certain areas.
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Breaking down Hong Kong chief executive John Lee's policy address
Lam told a press briefing on Friday the government would explore different funding options to support these major projects.
“In our planning of the infrastructure projects, we will explore whether there are other alternatives, other than direct investment by the government,” Lam said.
He raised as examples issuing bonds, as well as public-private partnerships via the “build-operate-transfer” model, under which the private sector finances, builds and operates a project for a certain period, before it is transferred back to the government.
“All these options are still to be considered by the government,” Lam said.
