Snack time: Chief Executive Donald Tsang (centre) and other Government officials visit the Wan Chai and Causeway Bay area to promote spending there.

A drive to boost consumer spending in Wan Chai and Causeway Bay will be launched, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says.

Mr Tsang visited the areas today with Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang to see how shops were faring after the World Trade Organization Hong Kong Ministerial Conference. They had afternoon tea at a restaurant on Lockhart Road and talked to the operators of shops nearby.

Mr Tsang said he understood that business people in Wan Chai and Causeway Bay were affected during the conference and some of them could not operate. The Government will soon launch a series of initiatives to encourage people to shop and eat in the areas.

"I hope the businesses here will become more prosperous than before," Mr Tsang said, commending and thanking proprietors for their tolerance and co-operation during the conference.

Initiave highlights

* The Tourism Board  will operate a free shuttle bus service, terminating at Golden Bauhinia Square, connecting Wanchai and Causeway Bay between December 22 and January 2, from 11am to 8.30pm;

* the MTRC will provide a $2 discount to passengers using Octopus cards exiting at Wan Chai and Causeway Bay Stations on December 25 and 26;

* Santa Claus will distribute gifts along the streets from December 22 to 27;

* the Chinese Manufacturers' Association will provide 3,000 complimentary entry tickets for the 40th Hong Kong Brands & Products Expo at Victoria Park;

* 30,000 entry tickets will be distributed to visitors from key source markets and the local tourism sector; and,

* a series of events to be held, including the Wan Chai Book Festival, and the Causeway Bay Carnival. The Home Affairs Department will step up promotion of these events.

Earlier today, Mr Tsang distributed gifts to the elderly and children at a social service centre in Yau Tsim Mong District and visited a family newly-arrived in Hong Kong. He also chatted with some elderly participating in a Christmas party.