Hong Kong cannot afford heritage preservation if it does not preserve its economic sustainability as the two go hand in hand, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says.

Speaking on RTHK's Letter to Hong Kong, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong must keep a firm grip on its competitive advantage amid the meteoric rise of many competing cities within the region, especially those on the Mainland.

"The community must understand that investment in infrastructure is vital if Hong Kong is to remain a dynamic and thriving world city," he said.

On heritage preservation, Mr Tsang said the Government will gather opinions from every corner of society, letting the voice of the individual be heard.

He added the Home Affairs Bureau will hold three more open public forums on the issue by mid-February. There will also be a focus-group discussion for professional bodies.

"I can guarantee that our current heritage protection system will become more transparent," said Mr Tsang, "The Government has no hidden agenda in this exercise. We have already published our thoughts on heritage conservation."