The Environmental Protection Department said it does not tolerate concrete batching plants operating without a licence and will make every effort to stop any illegal operations. The department made the statement in response to media reports yesterday of a concrete batching plant at 20 Tung Yuen Street in Yau Tong continuing to operate without holding a valid Specified Process Licence (SPL). The department has been closely monitoring the operation of two plants, both owned by China Concrete. The other plant is at 22 Tung Yuen Street in Yau Tong. Regarding the plant at 20 Tung Yuen Street, the Air Pollution Control Appeal Board dismissed an appeal lodged by China Concrete against the department’s refusal of its application for renewal of an SPL for the plant on November 22. Under the Air Pollution Control (Specified Processes) Regulations, the plant’s SPL ceased to be valid with immediate effect and the department issued a letter requesting that all works be halte
Mr Lee made these remarks as he delivered his second Policy Address since assuming office, highlighting that Hong Kong has come out of the pandemic in a strong position and with an economy that is set to reverse last year’s negative results and resume growth this year.
While noting that the external environment remains challenging, Mr Lee pledged that he will lead the city to grasp opportunities, capitalise on its advantages, and develop new areas of growth.
Steady growth – and well above the global average – is forecast for the Mainland economy this year and next, he said, noting that this will create ongoing opportunities for Hong Kong.
He added that Hong Kong must sustain and reinforce its distinctive advantages globally, pursue markets in ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, the Middle East and elsewhere, and strive for early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, giving full play in the process to its role as the bridge between the Mainland and the rest of the world.
Mr Lee said the Government will continue to trawl for talent from outside of Hong Kong and strive to retain it. In addition, it will compete for enterprises and explore new growth areas while reinforcing the strengths of traditional sectors.
In the medium to long term, the Government will reinforce Hong Kong’s competitive edge, carry forward development of the Northern Metropolis as a new engine for growth, and assume an industry-oriented approach as a policy priority.
Referring to President Xi Jinping’s speech on the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, in which he said “Hong Kong will prosper only when its young people thrive,” the Chief Executive added that he will continue to heed Mr Xi’s advice as the basis for his blueprint for the city’s governance.
“This will, I am confident, lead Hong Kong to new heights as an economy and a community,” he said.
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