'Xia's Trip Shows Beijing's Emphasis On HK Housing'

Former member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee Tam Yiu-chung said on Wednesday that Xia Baolong's visit to Hong Kong has shown Beijing's emphasis on the SAR's housing problems.

Tam made the remark after the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office wrapped up a six-day trip to Hong Kong, during which he inspected mega development projects such as the Northern Metropolis plan.

On a radio programme, Tam said he hopes the trip will mean more policy support from Beijing.

"I think the highlight of his trip is Hong Kong's future development, which is reasonable because long-term planning is much needed. It's good that Xia inspected the Northern Metropolis plan, because we are geographically linked to Shenzhen. If the central government can learn more about the progress of the plan, and even give policy support, it would be even better," he said.

Tam, who is a vice-president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, also quoted Xia as saying that the SAR must be prepared for any kind of national security threat.