SCMA visits Islands District (with photo)

     The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, visited Islands District this afternoon (January 31), meeting with members of the Islands District Council (IDC) and attending a briefing session by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) on a number of airport development projects. He also toured a community service centre in Tung Chung and visited two families in the district.

     Accompanied by the District Officer (Islands), Mr Anthony Li, Mr Nip first met with the Chairman of the IDC, Mr Chow Yuk-tong, and members of the IDC to exchange views on district and community affairs.

     Mr Nip then paid a visit to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), where he was briefed by representatives of the AA on the latest progress of various airport expansion projects, including the Three-Runway System, SkyCity and the premium logistics centre at Kwo Lo Wan.

     Mr Nip said, "With the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and improvement in the infrastructure network of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), HKIA will serve as the 'double gateway' connecting Hong Kong with other parts of the world and the GBA. When the various airport development projects are completed, Hong Kong will further strengthen its leading position as an international aviation and cargo hub in the world."

     Mr Nip also went to the HKIA taxi station to see the implementation of "Luggage Ambassador", a scheme jointly organised by the AA and a non-government organisation in Tung Chung. He chatted with two ethnic minority students who were working as luggage ambassadors there to learn about their life and study in Hong Kong.

     He then visited an integrated services centre in Tung Chung and toured the centre's new services and facilities. The centre has been set up for more than 20 years and provides various community services, including medical and employment services, family education, and volunteer work for children, families, the elderly and new arrivals in Tung Chung. He encouraged staff members of the centre to continue to provide professional community support to Tung Chung residents with a view to building an inclusive and caring community.

     Mr Nip also visited two families in Tung Chung to understand their daily life and needs, and offered New Year greetings to them ahead of the Lunar New Year.