'Rail Line Linking HK And Qianhai Worth Considering'

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said on Saturday that the construction of a rail link between Hong Kong and Qianhai is a plan worth considering, with the connection between the two places set to become stronger.

The minister made the comments after it was reported that a rail link connecting Hung Shui Kiu to the special economic zone in Shenzhen will be announced in the Chief Executive's policy address next month.

On a radio show, Chan noted that space had been reserved for the rail line when planning was done for Hung Shui Kiu's development.

He said the previous administration might have shelved a plan to build the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Express Line in 2014 after a study deemed it to be uneconomical, but circumstances have now changed.

"Qianhai will grow from around 15 sq km to over 120 sq km. Their arms are also open to collaboration with Hong Kong, and they encourage people here to set up businesses there," Chan said.

"More people can be carried on the trains, which will be frequent, and it will be much faster – it will be better than just driving. The investment value for this project has gone up. Therefore I think it's a plan worth considering," he said.

Meanwhile, the financial chief was also asked about a Reuters report on demands made by Beijing officials for Hong Kong property tycoons to help solve the local housing shortage.

The report quoted Beijing officials as saying that the rules of the game have changed, and Beijing will no longer tolerate "monopoly behavior".

Chan pointed out housing has long been a deep-rooted problem in Hong Kong, and authorities have always looked for ways to find more land.

He hoped society can work together to solve the housing issue.