The study on Container Terminal 10 will be completed in three months and the Government will consult the industry on its construction date and location.

Speaking on a radio talk show today, Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip said Hong Kong needs more terminals and related facilities because the number of goods to be handled will increase tremendously after the implementation of CEPA.

The construction of a new terminal will offer another choice for the trade and improve our competitiveness.

Mr Ip said a Hong Kong-Mainland logistics co-operation proposal will be ready for consultation in two months.

On unemployment, Mr Ip said the one-year pilot scheme to train and assist 1,000 18-to-24-year-olds to become self-employed will help participants gain experience in running their own business.

The project will be jointly run by the Labour Department and a non-government organisation.

Mr Ip said 24 hotel construction projects are now in progress while 35 new projects have been approved by the Government. He believes these will create more job opportunities and help relieve unemployment.

Speaking on the recent SARS case in Guangdong, Mr Ip said it will not have a big impact on tourism because many Mainland residents have planned to visit Hong Kong through the individual travellers scheme during the Chinese New Year.

The Government has already reminded the industry to step up precautionary measures, Mr Ip said, adding that all border health measures will continue to prevent the spread of SARS.