Keen interest: The Government has received six suggestions for then development of a new cruise terminal in Hong Kong.

The Government has received six suggestions for Development of a new cruise terminal in Hong Kong in response to an expressions of interest exercise, the Economic Development & Labour Bureau says.

Welcoming the response, the bureau said it showed that the market had keen interest in the development of the cruise industry.

The Government had set up an inter-departmental working group to examine the suggestions received, based on the requirements set in the Invitation Document.

If Government could identify a suggestion or suggestions that could meet all its requirements, it would conduct an in-depth study on the location, follow established planning procedures and put the site to tender after public consultation.

If there are no suggestions that meet requirements, the Government will not consider any sites other than Kai Tak and will strive to expedite the development of a new cruise terminal there.

In the long run, the Government considers the Kai Tak area, which is within Victoria Harbour and has expansion capability, the ideal location for the development of cruise terminal facilities.

It intends to reserve a site at Kai Tak for the project in order to cater for the long-term needs of Hong Kong.