Boys in blue: Financial Secretary Henry Tang (right) and Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang (centre) meet with European Union Commissioner for Trade Pascal Lamy in Cancun, Mexico to lobby for further trade liberalisation.

Financial Secretary Henry Tang said in Mexico that he does not agree in principle to financing the fiscal deficit through issuing bonds.

However, he does not rule out the possibility of raising debt for infrastructure projects in the short term.

Responding to press enquiries today, Mr Tang said the Government will consider issuing bonds against existing infrastructure projects, such as tunnels and bridges.

Projects in the coming five years, which will amount to some $100 billion, will also be taken into account so as to raise funds for their construction.

On issuing bonds, he said the Government will see if this will facilitate better use of capital, make Hong Kong's bond market more mature, and offer citizens an investment opportunity.