Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Rita Lau says the Government is still studying the feasibility of the Convention & Exhibition Centre Phase 3 development project and has not yet made a decision.

Mrs Lau told lawmakers today the Government will take into consideration all relevant factors in making a decision, adding a public consultation will be conducted at an appropriate time when there is a concrete proposal.

"We will look into the issue of operation rights when considering whether the Phase 3 expansion should proceed. In principle the Government plans to grant the operation rights through public tender and the [centre's] current operator would not be accorded any priority," she said.

Mrs Lau also rejected claims about the Government making an undertaking to individuals or organisations that before the completion of AsiaWorld-Expo's Phase 2 project, it will not implement other plans to expand convention and exhibition facilities.

The Government is discussing with the Trade Development Council on how to enhance co-operation between the centre and AsiaWorld-Expo to more effectively utilise the convention and exhibition facilities and resources in Hong Kong.