Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau has welcomed the signing of co-operation agreements to develop Hong Kong's first European designed flower-themed garden, Kaleido Park.
 

The agreements were signed today between Hong Kong-based event organiser Alan Fang and Dutch floriculture expert Ibo Gulsen in Noordwijkerhout, the Netherlands.

Mr Yau witnessed the signing ceremony with Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade & Development Co-operation Sigrid Kaag.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Yau said: "The Government welcomes the proposed development of the first-ever European design flower-themed garden in Hong Kong as the project, when materialised, will not only bring a new attraction for the enjoyment of our local community, but also enrich our tourism offerings, further enhancing Hong Kong's position as an international premier tourist destination.

"The European-themed Kaleido Park will be the first-of-its-kind in Hong Kong, offering visitors a unique horticultural experience through breathtaking floral displays.

"It is a timely initiative to enrich the travelling experience in Hong Kong with garden tourism. It is in line with the Government's policy of diversifying our tourism products with international appeal."

Mr Yau said the organiser is considering locating the flower park at the site reserved for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort's possible Phase 2 development.

"We welcome any tourism initiatives which helps put the Phase 2 site into gainful short-term uses.

"We will work closely with the Netherlands as well as Kaleido Park to facilitate bringing this project into fruition."

Mr Yau earlier held a bilateral meeting with Mrs Kaag to discuss trade-related issues.

He also toured a Dutch flower company which supplies flower bulbs worldwide and will support the flower production for the proposed Hong Kong park.

Mr Yau will later visit Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn to learn about the operation of flower parks and garden tourism.

He will depart for Paris tonight to join part of Chief Executive Carrie Lam's visit programme in France.